Respect. This word is specifically important to me this week, as I’ve seen examples of it all around me and witnessed situations where I saw great respect and places where I wished I saw more respect. It’s amazing, because like many things, I feel respect is something we learn as we grow up. What do our parents, teachers, role models, heroes teach us about how we should give/take respect? Whether it’s respecting ourselves, others, our job, our relationships, our property, our hearts, etc. we’ve learned what we give and what we accept from somewhere.
Growing up I was taught to always respect myself and others will respect me. This came from my family and my karate academy, which taught me how to carry myself and how to put positivity forward. Of course, you can’t control others and their upbringing, but if you emulate that you accept nothing but respect, others will only give that to you.
When you experience disrespect, that’s where you need to step back and evaluate where that person or situation stands in your life. Meaning, is this something worth salvaging, or am I showing this person/job/relationship that I’m accepting of their actions and think I’m deserving of them. We all have someone in our lives who may have shown disrespect, but they’re deserving of our understanding and discussion to make things better– I’m not talking about these people. This would mean we’re all perfect, and I know we’re not (as a 25 year old, I still get the respect speech from a parent every so often).
I think what I want to focus on mainly, are the people/relationships/job/situations where we are continually not getting the respect we deserve and are putting up with it. We’re displaying the message I WILL TAKE WHATEVER YOU THROW AT ME and leaving these moments feeling less than what we deserve. I have so many places in my life where I feel respected so much, that it’s easy for me to spot when I’m not feeling that in a specific situation or moment. Not all of us are in this boat, but nonetheless YOU deserve to look into these areas of your life and demand better.
We all deserve healthy environments where we feel respected, and furthermore, where we DEMAND respect, by the way we treat ourselves and encourage others to treat us. Are you strong enough to let go of the disrespect in your life? And can you identify it? You can!.. And you owe it to yourself to do so.
Respect yourself, and each other.
Aurora
The Weekly Sparkle 
Really enjoyed reading this. I’ve always felt strongly about showing others respect but I have to sadly say that it wasn’t until the last few years that I’ve really put focus into having people respect me. I look back on situations and I’m disappointed in myself for allowing it to happen, or allowing it to happen for to long with people who don’t deserve my patience. It is something I feel much more comfortable with now and only wish I put more thought into it earlier.
Jess,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read! You know what though sweetie, you’re not alone. I think there are so many of us who have put up with things we don’t deserve and then look back in regret that it took so long to stop it. The amazing part however, is that you DID see it and made a change to make your life better!.. So many people, especially at our age, have yet to recognize and do that– and for that, you should be extremely proud.
Xoxo
Preach it girl! As a social worker who often deals with domestic violence cases, I appreciate your message.
Thank you Cathy!!! It’s very empowering to stop a pattern and make a difference in your life! Thank you for the work you do.
Reblogged this on echosfromtheabyss.
Perfectly said! ❤
Good
Thank you!