Sometimes we have a little twisted idea of ​​respect. A word that we should write in capital letters if our aim is to make a real contribution to the world we live in.
Last update: April 15, 2021
That the world we live in can be improved is the belief that moves millions of people in the attempt to leave a better planet for future generations. Caring for others and for the planet starts primarily from self-respect.
When a person respects himself he is able to recognize the most intrinsic value of this word. You become aware of your own importance and role in the surrounding environment. When we respect ourselves, it is easier to respect others and the planet.
Having a positive attitude opens the doors to access the chain of respect. It often happens that people feel they have no power over what is happening around them. In reality our impact can be enormous, for better or for worse, even if sometimes we don't think about it.
Self-respect
Respect oneself means valuing one's person by recognizing him as unique and unrepeatable. This is closely related to self-esteem, understanding and appreciation of one's character traits. If you don't start by respecting yourself, you will hardly have the opportunity to respect others.
Respect for oneself should not be confused with the ego, the mask of those who show the world only some positive aspects, sometimes distorted. The respect that a person must demand and carry out for himself contemplates authenticity. The development and practice of assertive behaviors can improve this aspect of ourselves.
All the decisions and choices that life puts before us depend on the quality of respect cultivated for ourselves. Setting limits in every aspect of life is a way of cultivating this precious value.
Learning to say no is a very healthy exercise in self-respect.
Be grateful to others
Respect for others, for their rights, their ideas, their lifestyle and their beliefs has almost become a modern paradox. Globalizing the world in economic terms is much easier than spreading respect between distant societies and cultures.
For some, it is extremely difficult to respect what is beyond their understanding or values. This all becomes even more complicated when self-respect has not been cultivated. Implementing an exercise of respect for the ideas and values ​​of others is like taking a first step in the middle of the journey.
It may seem obvious, but consideration of others begins by showing gratitude and being polite in the simplest situations in life. Kindness is an element that in some social environments is sadly being lost at a frightening speed.
Speaking respectfully to others, giving thanks, asking permission, are wonderful habits that say a lot about a person.
Facing the world every day with a smile is not a symptom of false happiness. IS a show of respect for those who may not be in the same state of mind as us. This and other habits are the basis of civil behavior, based on respect for oneself and others. Some call it nobility of mind.
Words, when they reveal respect, become magical. Being and behaving in a grateful and generous way greatly improves our interpersonal relationships. Courtesy makes us better towards ourselves and towards others, and it is the best way to teach respect to our children as well.
Respect the planet
Fortunately, respect is highly contagious. When its value is known, it can be passed on. The size of the Earth we live in goes far beyond the human beings who populate it. Understanding the fact that we are nothing more than an infinitesimal part of the wonders of the planet is the first step in learning to live in harmony with what surrounds us and what we feed on.
Of all the skills that psychology teaches us to improve our lives, perhaps respect for oneself, for others and for the planet is one of the most important.
It is a term that must be contextualized in order to be fully understood. Our everyday life offers many ideas to learn.
Let's leave aside the idea of ​​respect as an abstract concept, let's start using it for the simpler, everyday things. It is one of our best resources to leave a positive mark on this planet of ours.
