Respect Vs Disrespect

"If they respect you, respect them. If they disrespect you, still respect them. Do not allow the actions of others to decrease your good manners, because you represent yourself, not others. "

We are so consumed by the latest technology and having the latest apps on our phones and tabs but the one app we seem to be missing is the app of “RESPECT”.

In the society we live in today this topic has become almost non-existent but the reality of it is sad of how many of us no longer have self-respect let alone respect for others.

Respect is both an attitude and a way of talking and acting. Respect is giving honour to someone in word or in deed just because of who they are or the position they hold. It is recognizing and honouring the rights of others.

Disrespect is the opposite. It is speaking or acting in a way that dishonours or fails to honour someone or the position they hold. It is failing to recognize and honour or stomping on the rights of others.

A simple reality check, is how many of us sit on our phones still while in meetings, meeting for coffee with a friend or just spending quality time with our family or friends. Sometimes our latest technology devices get more respect than the people closest to us.

Self-respect is something our youth lack today and easily compromise their value systems along with forgetting their self-worth. Why is this we need to ask ourselves, and one of the key reasons that come to mind is that there a very few Role Models out there who are trustworthy, true to themselves and then to others and don’t compromise their value system for the world.

No self-respect therefore means, no respect for others and therefore a bad Attitude. We quick to say that disappointments bring about a lack of respect but how many times do we disappoint others or even God but we except them to still respect us and forget about it. Well it’s time you can do the same and put it into practice because you remember you the representation of your own life.

To whom should we show respect? We should show much respect to our parents or those who take care of us, to our elders, and to those who hold positions of authority in our lives. This includes people like teachers, community and government leaders, police, pastors, those in your friendship circle. Etc.

Just as an app needs constant updating so it is with your life. In order to be a person of Integrity you need to respect yourself and then others. Make the soundtrack of your life part of your journey keep it simple, relevant and inspiring but never uninstall the app of Respect.