Developing a Greater Sense of Self Respect
August 28, 2006 – 1:13 pmby Rhonda
Greetings-
This article is a continuation of the previous one about becoming your own best friend. Previously we discussed ending your self criticism for being overweight. The buck doesn’t stop there. What we need to develop is a greater sense of self respect. When I was growing up, my father always told me that if you want respect, you have to demand it. I’ve never had a problem with that when dealing with other people. Now I’ve come to realize that I have to demand it from myself as well. My self criticism didn’t stop at negative feelings about my weight. If I accidentally broke something, I’d call myself clumsy or if I made a mistake, I’d call myself stupid. This is not just true of me. My friends do it too. It was after I told one of my friends that they shouldn’t be so hard on themselves, that I realized that I was just as guilty. Now instead of calling myself names, I just tell myself that it’s no big deal and I’ll be more careful next time. This has truly helped me. It keeps me from dwelling on things that can’t be changed and helps keep me in a positive state of mind.
Darren commented that it can be hard to do this and he is 100% right. Being kind to yourself should be the easiest thing in the world to do, yet it seems to be the toughest. The thing to keep in mind is that in the end, the one person that is always there for you is you. Think of how supportive you are to your friends and family and do that for yourself. Some people have no problem with making sure that they are at the top of their own lists. Alas, I and other’s like myself, have to make a concerted effort. It’s a matter of overcoming your psychological training and though it may be tough to break these habits, the rewards you will receive will be worth the effort. Today’s affirmation is I am worthy of my own respect. Say it 10 times and mean it. Peace - Rhonda
3 Responses to “Developing a Greater Sense of Self Respect”
Nice post, Rhonda.
A lot of people are too harsh on themselves. Breaking something says nothing about you as a person, especially if it can be replaced. I’ve never been a fan of name calling, and think that we shouldn’t name call ourselves!
By Heather on Aug 28, 2006
Great post! Another thing is we take good care of the rest of the family that we overlook ourselves. We convince ourself by doing so that we are not important! Another apect we need to work on, if we are sick we try to do what we have to, and when the rest of the family is sick we try to make them rest and take it easy, why do we not do the same for ourselves?
By Klynn on Aug 28, 2006
Thanks Heather and Klynn. It is certainly true that we should not call ourselves name and that we need to take care of ourselves with the same love that we take care of others. That’s an exellent point and thanks for sharing it. Peace- Rhonda
By Rhonda on Aug 30, 2006