“They can’t take away our self-respect if we cannot give it to them” – Mahatma Gandhi
There are times when we keep holding on and don’t value ourselves enough. Most of the situations we get caught up in emotions because of having a people-pleasing personality. At the end of all this trauma, we land up hurting ourselves by putting our self-esteem on a toss. Where does the self-respect disappear in that situation? Are we so blind in love to save the relationship that we can’t see how we are lowering our standard just for this person to take us for granted? I’m sure someone’s picture crossed your mind when those questions arise.
Our environment/societies have hidden inspirations which we can see only if we change our perspective. Have you stood below a skyscraper and looked at it till the top and got mind blown? Or vice versa just reach the top floor and look down to the road. Both have different views but they do share something in common. In either case, it’s you who is changing the perspective. It’s better to have high values and standards rather than settling for something you think you deserve just for the sake of this materialistic world demands. And if we keep our self-respect as high as skyscraper then I’m sure no one standing on the ground will dare to break us likely.
“Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it.” — Elastigirl (The Incredibles)
Self-respect is a form of self-love wherein a person values his or her unique approach to life. It is having an understanding and appreciating one’s qualities. And the most important and difficult thing we learned growing up is making life choices and decisions which partly are affected by how much we put ourselves before. Self-respect is a condition of acknowledgment that an individual is important and valued. A self-respecting person can recognize his or her strengths and weaknesses. Instead of getting disappointed with the weaknesses, they see the situation as areas of improvement.
I listed, in brief, how can we start self-respecting ourselves more which most of us have learned from life experiences.
“Your self worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are” – Beyonce
- Know your worth
Once you realize your value you’ll never settle for anything less. Self-respect is always a hidden aspect where we most of the times don’t understand how it can be lost. With years most of us realize not to let someone treat you as an option only because they are lacking the confidence to prioritize you. Do you want a person who doesn’t prioritize you but wants you to be there for them? Remember you’re so worth more than being mistreated. And we learn to filter the people we want in our life. The people we choose to represent our TRIBE so be wise as they influence our habits, thinking, and lifestyle.
- Power lies within
You have more POWER than you know instead of going with the flow. Take that decision. Time to stand up for yourself for the respect which you are worth it. You don’t need validation from others whether you should be respected or not. The choice lies within where you put yourself above everyone. Listen to the faded away voice which says “YOU’RE WORTHY”
- Make a decision
If you want to find the person who will change your life, take a look at the mirror. No one else can take control of your life unless if you give them the power to someone elsewhere there are rare possibilities it will not make you miserable. Never let anyone take you for a ride where you’ll end up in a vicious circle of getting emotionally drained each day and losing the real you. Even if you want to save the relationship it’s always better to choose yourself over anyone else since they don’t care about you.
- Take pride to set boundaries
Honor the person you are. It is always easy to say but once you take the courage towards the first step which is accepting the love and respect you deserve you’ll be unstoppable. And it will result in self-care where you will learn the art to say NO.
In the end, I would conclude by saying that self-respect will make you feel happy and satisfied with your personal, professional, and social life. You feel incredible and a sense of responsibility for your life.
“Don’t take the burden of the world’s problems upon yourself. Don’t ignore them either”– Rabbi Tar’fon put it – “The work is not upon you to complete but neither are you exempt from trying” – Talmud
Lets sore our self respect high as skyscrapers and keep spreading the positive vibes in this universe. Stay tuned for another interesting topic next Sunday until then be safe and healthy.
Finding the love within... 