The Value Of Self Respect

The definition of Self Respect per dictionary: “pride and confidence in oneself; a feeling that one is behaving with honor and dignity.” Antonyms: Self-deprecation.

How often do we hear the phrase “self-love”? Not quite as often as “self-respect”. Self respect IS self love. Although the typical ‘guidelines’ of self respect rely heavily on your values of individuals, its underlying tone remains just as vital. Without self respect, you lose your ability to form positive outcomes for yourself. How unfortunate does that become when self respect is the number one factor contributing to your happiness, and your well-being. Therefore, without self respect, what are we and what do we have?

Let us not be fooled, self respect takes learning, an ongoing learning that never quite ends. To me, self respect is one’s belief that they are worthy of being treated right, that you are good, and acting in a way that shows dignity. An example of this would be that if someone is not treating you the way you believe you deserve to be treated, then you simply walk away. You do not tolerate this behavior because you know that you are valuable. Self respect is not fighting for something that you know you need to let go of.

Self respect has to come from within and it cannot be dependent on someone else. It must be sustained by practicing on a daily basis. Although you cannot rely on others to create self-respect, self respect promotes and creates better interpersonal relationships with the people you invite in. Self love and self respect is much harder to produce than self hatred and self deprecation, yet it provides us with much more. A self respecting person has the ability to know their own strengths and limitations which then lead to growth. Because self respect IS the foundation of growth. Everyone embarks on their journey in a variety of ways, however, here is a list of ‘starting points’ I have found are essential to your upcoming growth and progression. Everything about your self that you need to start - respecting -

Your Mind

Take the time to clear your mind and clear your energy.

Your Body

The only one you have, take care of it and nourish it.

Your Values and Beliefs

Choose values and beliefs that reflect the person that you want to be.

Your Boundaries

Your self respect also reflects your value to other people. These people will value you more once they realize how you value yourself.

Your Weaknesses

By acknowledging your weaknesses you can turn them into opportunities to grow as a person. You are able to turn your weaknesses into strength with recognition.

Your Feelings

If something doesn’t feel right to you, do not do it. Do not waste your energy and value.

Your Needs

ESSENTIAL: your needs have to come before the needs of others. Don’t get lost.

Your Actions

Your actions are what create the most change. If you want positive change, you must have positive actions.

Your Confidence

With self respect comes confidence, and everybody deserves confidence.

Your Environment

You need to take care of your surroundings to take care of yourself. Such as your car or your home. Clearing your space also clears you mind.

Your Failures

By respecting your failures you are acknowledging the past in order to create space for the future.

Your Accomplishments

By respecting your accomplishments you are honoring your hard work and give yourself the acknowledgment that you deserve. This leads to more positivity and acknowledgments.

#selfrespect #selflove