fibiray
10-27-2006, 10:06 PM
Self respect arise quite naturally when you recognise that you are responsible for the quality of your own life - and for the impact on other people.
Of course there are always factors over which you have no control. These will include social, racial, cultural and genetic influences. These factors may also include some things that you might call 'luck' or destiny.
Whatever life has brought you, however, you can choose to cultivate your strengths, look for inspiration and learn to recover from mistakes. And you can make a profoundly crucial decision that you will treat yourself and other people with respect, friendliness and good will whether or not those people 'deserve' it. Many of us give our respect (kindness, interest, courtesy) only when we think the person is 'good' or 'important' enough or when we hope to recieve the emotional equivalent of a pat and a biscuit.
But your behaviour doesn't need to be determined by people or rewards outsid eof yourself; behaving well is intrinsically worthwhile.
Recognising this gives you the freedom to determine and choose yoru own behaviour.
This dosen't mean treating everyone equally. some people are negative or cruel. other people will generously encourage and support you on your journey. Clearly you can choose to spend far less time with the former than the latter. Yet whomever you are with, you are free to behave well and to be guided by your values. This profoundly supports your inner stability and self respect.
life and soul essentials - stephanie dorwick:D
Of course there are always factors over which you have no control. These will include social, racial, cultural and genetic influences. These factors may also include some things that you might call 'luck' or destiny.
Whatever life has brought you, however, you can choose to cultivate your strengths, look for inspiration and learn to recover from mistakes. And you can make a profoundly crucial decision that you will treat yourself and other people with respect, friendliness and good will whether or not those people 'deserve' it. Many of us give our respect (kindness, interest, courtesy) only when we think the person is 'good' or 'important' enough or when we hope to recieve the emotional equivalent of a pat and a biscuit.
But your behaviour doesn't need to be determined by people or rewards outsid eof yourself; behaving well is intrinsically worthwhile.
Recognising this gives you the freedom to determine and choose yoru own behaviour.
This dosen't mean treating everyone equally. some people are negative or cruel. other people will generously encourage and support you on your journey. Clearly you can choose to spend far less time with the former than the latter. Yet whomever you are with, you are free to behave well and to be guided by your values. This profoundly supports your inner stability and self respect.
life and soul essentials - stephanie dorwick:D