Along with love, respect is a basic tenet of life. It’s not a privilege—it’s the right of each and every one of us irrespective of our gender, race, creed or sexual orientation. We earn respect true enough, but as children it must be engendered through the treatment at the hands of those who are entrusted with our care and support.
Unfortunately, due to errant parenting, some children are not taught to be respectful of others. As a consequence, they run the risk of growing into uncaring and ill-mannered adults. It becomes a habit: an everyday behavior which infects their lives and enamors them against meaningful interaction with others. It greatly impedes the ability to build a successful future.
Disrespect is borne of jealousy, ignorance and prejudice. When you disrespect others, you actually show a lack of regard for yourself and your life. The treatment you mete out to other people is a direct reflection of the feelings you hold about yourself and the negative aspects impacting your life.
Respect begins in the home. It should be a priority because it’s to our children we entrust the future. If they are not taught the value of respect, they have no hope of showing it to others. When our children are loved, supported, nurtured and nourishes, it builds mutual respect. When they experience the safety of the loving family unit and enjoy ongoing support, they blossom into wonderfully grounded people, with a high regard for the beliefs and opinions of others.
Respect should be automatically shown to everyone you encounter whether it happens to be in business, the classroom, on the street or the sporting field and in every aspect of life. Be tolerant and respectful of others without any pre-conceived notions, until you have grounds for your doubt: Disrespect shown by that person through a bad attitude or rudeness; an offensive nature or delinquent behavior. Rather than respond in kind, simply distance yourself from them.
There are people in the world whom we’ve never met but still disrespect—even despise. Evidence can be overwhelming about negative behavior. It could be atrocities committed by murderers; rapists; child offenders or tyrants. I too find it impossible to have any regard for these people. Thankfully, they are (generally) not the individuals with whom you and I might interact on a daily basis.
As adults, we’re role models in the lives of our children. If not our own, then those with whom we interact as uncles, aunties, cousins, coaches, mentors, friends and neighbors (and even strangers on the street, the bus or train).
However, as parents when we make the decision to have children, we must understand the fundamental importance of the role. It is a lifelong journey: It’s a commitment. It means we must make the choice to be the best we can as adults and caregivers. It’s our responsibility to love, support, protect and nurture our young charges. We must instill in them the virtues of love, understanding, tolerance, courage, compassion and determination. From these attributes comes respect, for themselves and others because children watch us and mimic everything we say and everything we do.
Have respect in all areas of your life. Believe in yourself and the journey you’re on. Relish the responsibility of empowering and enriching those with whom you come into contact. Understand that not everyone will be your friend. You will lose respect for some people and find it for others. That’s the cycle of life.
Don’t come to hasty conclusions about people. Refrain from basing your opinions on gossip and innuendo. Formulate your own judgment based on personal experiences. Interact with others confidently and understand that you have the power to enrich and empower others, at the same time adding immeasurable depth and value to your own life.
It’s never too late to empower your life and enrich the lives of others beyond measure. Believe in yourself and show regard for those with whom you come into daily contact. Have tolerance for people and situations you might not fully understand and do the very best you can to assist young people in your care to grow into loving, tolerant, respectful and responsible adults.
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This post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: iStock