Respect. It is a virtue we desperately seek in others. We feel that it is something we truly deserve, yet we never stop to wonder whether we actually have it in ourselves.
We are so lost in our sense of entitlement that we actually forget that the respect we eventually receive is based on how much we respect our own genuine nature.
Our raw and authentic personality with all its flaws and quirks. That real side of us we rarely show in public.
So, can you say that you are really respecting yourself?
One thing is certain if you’ve started doing some of the following things, that is a clear indicator that you’ve stopped disrespecting your nature. Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself whether you relate to any of this:
1. YOU TEND TO SHOW A DIFFERENT SIDE OF YOU IN PUBLIC
In other words, you are ashamed to display the real you out there. Out of fear and judgment, you’ve created a more attractive and likable character for others to see.
2. YOU KEEP PUTTING YOURSELF DOWN IN FRONT OF OTHERS
When a person has a low self-esteem, after a while, they begin underestimating all their qualities, abilities and talents. All it takes is just one single, irrelevant failure to convince them they’re no good.
If you caught yourself doing this, ask yourself, “Is this really me, or is it my insecurity talking?”
3. YOU CONSTANTLY PUNISH YOURSELF FOR FAILING
The thing is, you have extremely high expectations of everything around you. You should know that failure is an essential part of life. Even though it’s disappointing, it is the only way for us to learn the lesson.
Keep calm, embrace the tides and continue doing what you’re doing.
4. YOU ARE AFRAID TO EXPRESS YOUR TRUE EMOTIONS
Choosing to suppress your real emotions and instead of embracing and expressing them might be the worst kind of disrespect toward yourself.
You should never allow the opinions of other’s bother you. Because at the end of the day, you are all you have. You make sure to remain truthful to yourself and everyone around you.
5. YOU ARE TOO AFRAID TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF
One of the most disrespectful and harmful things you can do is making yourself a convenient doormat for everyone who feels like walking all over you.
You’ve become so vulnerable and afraid that you don’t even have the courage to stand up and defend yourself whenever someone is trying to harm you.
6. YOU KEEP DISRESPECTFUL AND TOXIC PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE
And how can you even start respecting yourself when you keep punishing yourself by keeping toxic and vindictive individuals in your life?
Liars, cheaters, energy vampires, manipulators are people who would trick and abuse you in a blink of an eye.
And let’s not kid ourselves, they aren’t here for your friendship. So, stop disrespecting yourself by letting toxic individuals run your life. Cut them off, even if you end up all alone. You’ll do just fine.
7. YOU DESPERATELY SEEK FOR VALIDATION
You tend to live your life the way others tell you. Whether it’s your work, life or relationships, you can’t possibly make a decision without asking for an approval.
Well, I think it’s time to stop and realize something. You are the only one responsible for your life. Even when someone tells you what to do. You are the one who’ll face the consequences of doing what they told you. Take control over your life.
8. YOU NEVER CHANGE ANYTHING
Worst-case scenario: You aren’t satisfied with how things are, yet you never bother to change anything.
Do you actually think that a fairy god-mother will come to you in your sleep and make all your dreams come true?
9. YOU FEEL GUILTY OF FOLLOWING YOUR HEART
You are too afraid to listen to what your heart has to say. You fear a potential heartbreak, you fear a failure, you fear disappointment. Instead, you rely on your depressing mind and try to avoid anything that might harm you. Even emotions.
10. YOU TEND TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THINGS THAT ARE CLEARLY OUT OF YOUR CONTROL
You seem to be too afraid to take some real action when it’s about your life, but when it comes to taking responsibility for things that are not in your control, you are always the one to blame.
Don’t you think it’s your fault for letting others treat you that way? The word you’re looking for is disrespect.
11. YOU TEND TO AGREE WITH PEOPLE JUST TO AVOID DISAGREEMENT
You’ve become just “another brick in the wall”. You’ve managed to convince yourself that your opinion doesn’t really matter. And just like that, you’ve embraced a life where agreeing instead of defending your real opinion is always the best option.
12. YOU DISRESPECT YOUR OWN MORAL CODE
And what’s worse, you’ve not only agreed to keep quiet, but you’ve also started disrespecting your own moral code. The most valuable thing we possess that defines our true integrity.
13. YOU DESPERATELY TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE
You know how this goes. The more you try to please everyone, the more disappointed you’ll be. Try to focus on yourself first. Making others happy is a noble pursuit, but when you do it for the sole purpose of gaining respect, it means you value others more than you value yourself.
14. YOU’VE BECOME EXTREMELY JEALOUS OF WHAT OTHERS HAVE
You don’t appreciate the things you have. Somewhere along the way, you got lost desperately wishing for everything they own.
But, the truth is, the grass shouldn’t always be greener on the other side. It is up to you whether you’ll keep cultivating yours or you’ll just let it dry up.
15. YOU IGNORE YOUR GUT FEELING
Consciously ignoring your gut feeling that is the most effective way of showing how you truly feel about something or someone is like committing a suicide.
Your intuition should be the first thing to follow. It will always lead your way.
16. YOU TEND TO FOCUS ON THE BAD AND IGNORE THE GOOD SIDE OF LIFE
The biggest mistake you can possibly do. Listen to me. Do not dwell on the past and the mistakes you’ve done. There’s so much to look forward to. There’s so much beauty in this world we tend to ignore.
Don’t lose yourself in self-pity. Learn to rise above everything. Learn to seek the beauty of this world in everything around you.
17. YOU DON’T BELIEVE IN YOUR POTENTIAL
You’ve let failures and your ridiculously high expectations destroy your self-confidence. Remember, failure is not something you should be afraid of. It is a part of the lesson we need to learn in order to live.
Whenever life puts you down, you keep believing in yourself and your abilities. Remind yourself of everything you’ve ever achieved. You can do this.
I know you can!
