Respect seems sorely lacking these days…between Adults, Parents & children, spouses, children, both in families and in school, co-workers and even for our own self. Even with the multitudes of churches, intolerance for bullying on school campuses “diversity training” in the workplace and efforts to raise self-esteem, respect has dwindled to nearly nothing. (And I am from the South…land of hospitality!)
I can’t say what first started the decline, but it is truly annoying! Why can’t we respect ourselves and others? What has changed to cause the lack of respect? And, when will we get it back?
I do not have the answers to these questions, but I would like to put forth some thoughts.
You are the face to the world of the Ultimate Self, and that position demands respect. You are a sacred treasure, prized by Your Creator…yet, unfortunately, we lose sight of that. We get caught up in the worldly. We forget just WHO we are, and we act with disregard, neglect, apathy…towards ourselves, and towards others.
Respect is defined as high or special regard or to consider worthy of high regard; esteem. And to esteem someone means we place a high value on him or her. So…strictly speaking, if we no longer respect someone, we no longer find value in them…they are no longer special. That goes for us, as well.
We must first regard ourselves highly before we can expect that treatment for ourselves or return the regard to others. This is not a pep talk on how to be good to you, it is a fact.
If you have no respect for yourself, why not? Answer the questions honestly, why DO you feel you are of little worth? Can you change it, and if so, why wouldn’t you? What is holding you back? Is it lack of education? Is it a weight issue? Is it something you were told or how you were treated, or not treated, by someone you respected? Would it help to know that you are not the only one with these issues?
Many people feel like they lack education and they either do not have the money or time to invest in higher education. BUT, that doesn’t have to stop you! There are many great books out there on many a great topic. You can find books on nearly everything. If books do not interest you, there are always DVD’s. I have seen them on nearly every subject, as well. You can take charge of that concern.
Many people have weight problems, too. Sometimes we stress eat, sometimes we don’t eat the right things, sometimes we don’t exercise, and sometimes there are medical issues to be found and cleared up. All of these things can be taken charge of, as well.
Many people are also treated disrespectfully by those they once held in high regard. Whether that person is your parents, teachers, preachers, siblings, boss, whomever, you cannot give them charge of you. By succumbing to their bad treatment, you give away your own power. Chances are, these people have been treated badly at some point, as well, and while that is no excuse for bad behavior, we must learn to take charge of our own situation.
With respect for you, however, if you are in a position of deep depression or possible destructive behavior and you feel you can see no way out, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with seeking help…nothing. Talk to family or friends, or seek outside help if you need it…remembering that realizing you have a problem is the first step…
We are worthy of the utmost respect; to be highly prized…we are VERY special. As unique expressions of Creation, we are worth SO much…but then, so is everyone around us! It’s time we started acting like the valuable, prized beings we are…Truly, until you are happy with your self, it will be hard to be happy with those around you. See where and what you can make changes to help you feel treasured by you…then, spread the love…What happens might be surprised you!
One Sacred Soul 