Treat others with respect and by doing so you will develop respect for yourself. As you treat others respectfully you will also be treated respectfully. Those who treat others with a lack of respect often lack respect for themselves. Treat others with respect regardless of how they treat you, and realize that you are helping to teach them self-respect while building respect for yourself at the same time.
Surround yourself with positive people who respect themselves and others. By being in the presence of those who are positive and confident, you will find yourself becoming infused with their enthusiasm, self-respect and positive energy. It is much healthier than being around those who are constantly putting themselves and others down.
Choose your friends wisely. Pick quality over quantity. People often like to have many friends because it makes them feel popular and important, but having a few friends of good character is worth more than a large circle of friends and superficial popularity. If your friends bring you down or disrespect you in any way, it may be time to re-evaluate your friendship.
Be a leader, not a follower. Don’t let anyone try to talk you into doing or being something you are not. People often make the mistake of becoming chameleon-like in order to please others. They change according to the company they keep. Don’t let your own self-respect be diminished in order to conform to the wishes of others. Be yourself above all things. People will like and respect you for the person you are.
Work to improve yourself on all levels, meaning physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. If you are unhappy with any aspect of yourself, you may find it difficult to respect yourself. No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Forgive yourself for past mistakes, and move forward. Always strive to be the best you can and you will earn the respect you deserve.
By Shabnam Khan, Personal Development Support Worker
s.khan@shsbc.ca
Semiahmoo House Society, a non-profit organization located in Surrey/White Rock, exists to provide quality services and supports to people with disabilities and their families in the community.
The Semiahmoo Foundation, located in Surrey/White Rock, exists to fund, support and enhance the programs and services delivered by Semiahmoo House Society.