Taking responsibility for one’s life, and feeling blame or shame for one’s life, are not the same thing.  Taking responsibility allows us to look honestly and dispassionately at how our beliefs and actions are shaping present reality.  It allows us to see ourselves clearly, with lovingkindness, and to shift and take action.  Responsibility is a hopeful, empowering stance.  Taking blame or falling into shame, on the other hand, immobilizes us, diminishes us, and keeps our view narrow.  It makes change unlikely if not impossible.  It renders us helpless victims in a hopeless reality.  Lovingkindness is the difference.