Respect...
Powerful word...
On this MLK Day, there's the clear connection between the word and the connotations about respecting other races, religions, sexual orientations, political views - the things that are expressed outwardly. This type of respect is critical for a civil society and absolutely necessary to move towards progress.
Today I want to focus on respect in a more individual and one to one relationship perspective.
If I'm being honest, self-respect has been a really difficult concept for me. I have internalized all the criticism and allowed others to disrespect me because I haven't respected myself. In my mind, I'm never good enough. I can't do everything that needs to be done to take care of parents, kids, at work, or in a relationship. All of these things have suffered. I have let others tell me repeatedly that I'm not good enough, and I've believed every word of it.
In the past couple of years, I've had an increasing number of people enter my life who don't treat me that way. They don't judge when I admit downfalls, mistakes, or feelings of inadequacy. They do kind things for me FOR NO REASON. I don't know how to accept this. They remind me that this is how we all deserve to be treated. Slowly, I'm coming around to understanding that I am worth it. That when someone goes out of their way to do something nice for me, expecting nothing in return, that it's OK to smile, accept it, and pay if forward.
One of my friends and I have a pact: when we start with negative self-talk, the other one jumps in and reminds us that "nobody talks about my person like that!" It's funny that we'd never let someone talk about our friends and family negatively - why do we let ourselves and others talk negatively about us?
Today I encourage you to think about your self-worth and your self-respect. Are you where you want to be? Do you want some encouragement? Do you need a supporter? I promise to support you, just as you are, and encourage you every step of the way.
#selfrespect #respect #respectothers #friends #family #framily #love #kindness #mlk #wellness #healthy #healthylifestyle
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