How Can You Respect Others If You Don’t Respect Yourself?

“How are you? Are you well? Are you okay? How’s life been? If ever you want to talk, I’m here”. Let’s stop this one-sided cycle; who’s loving you? And most importantly, who’s respecting you?

It’s like a never ending marathon without a water station in sight. I’m parched and proceeding to dire dehydration if I travel any further in this internalised desert. No service, no connection, no cooperation. Realisation hits just before the delirious stage dawns grasping onto consciousness; prior to collapse. How did I get here? When did I stop caring about myself? My attention was diverted by external factors, becoming blinded and clouded to what is now apparent. Respecting others to the extent you lose track of how to respect yourself.

You can practice both in succession, but don’t lose yourself. At least once in our lives, you’ve probably experienced the lack of balance. Or realign emphasis on priorities, feelings, boundaries and redrawing the outline in your own life.

Overconsumption in menial, oversubscribed mind-numbing “rehabilitation” to retreat away from our internal notifications reminding us of our complacencies which we wish to resign from, until it awakens us in moments least expected or anticipated. Maybe some questions are better left answered before life has a way of controlling the narrative on our behalf. Why didn’t you ask me? Maybe the time came, you just looked the other way hoping one day the issue would somehow wash away.

As I get older, life has more meaning and purpose. All good things come to an end and we’re all approaching that at the same pace but at different times. Wake up calls can determine the rest of your life, each are of equal importance as the only person that can react to the personalised alarm, is you.

Living life as you see fit, putting yourself first instead of scrambling for pieces of yourself unable to recognise what’s left from completing everyone else’s puzzle called life instead of your own. Time is precious, celebrate special moments rather than being the fall guy for others. Do what makes you happy, establish your desired life structure and don’t let people or onlookers disrespect your peace, honour, confidence and serenity. If they do, respectfully keep them at arms lengths or preferably, out of your functioning life.

Their dark cloud will selectively shower on your turf whilst keeping there’s immaculately sun-dried.

Be there for your loved ones, whilst not letting their lives entirely consume you emotionally and physically so you reserve enough energy for yourself.

Lastly, always remember on your lowest, loneliest of days, who’s there for you? Keep those who express love and care without expecting anything in return closest to you, as those are the few in this fast-paced, congested world that you can really count on.

What do you think? How do you practice self-respect? What are some of your boundaries? Do you have a high or low tolerance regarding respect? Comment below!