In today’s world, when we speak about progress, we shouldn’t mean only technological advances and automation. We also need to talk about the development of human values of which self-respect is a vital strand. We must understand the importance of self-respect because how else are we supposed to respect others when we don’t respect ourselves?
Self-respect is respecting yourself, your abilities, and your own standing. It is more of self-acceptance than changing yourself according to others’ opinions. When you respect yourself, you understand your strengths and limitations and do not allow anyone to treat you otherwise.
Self-respect is very important to move on in life. When you speak on behalf of yourself, no one can take you for granted. But protecting one’s self-respect can be tricky and many times we may lose people and important relationships in our lives as we stick to our stand. Also excessive self-respect can turn into arrogance. Nevertheless, life is a gift and when we don’t have enough regard for ourselves, then there is nothing we can do for others and that’s a fact.
“When you don’t respect yourself, things add value to you. When you respect the self, you add values to things.”
~Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
What Happens When You Don’t Have Self-Respect?
When you don’t respect yourself or keep shoving away positives about yourself, you lose your identity. People stop caring for you and you try to fit into the crowd. Without self-respect, here is what happens to you.
You try to get attention
It’s human nature to indulge in the society they live in. We always need people around us who love and care for us as we do for them. But when you do not love yourself enough, you try to get the attention of others by changing your values for them.
Your relationships lose the essence
The relationships too dear to you at a point in time, lose their meaning for you, when you continuously adjust your stance to save them. Many times people in our society don’t speak for themselves and keep tolerating abuse as they lack self-respect. They ultimately lose themselves in their relationships and feel burdened.
You indulge in negativity
We start the negative self-talk, bad habits and tell-tales of others when we do not have self-respect. Not only that, we stop caring for our body and mind and indulge in activities that gives us momentary satisfaction.
You tend to become aggressive
When you lack self-respect, you tend to express less and suppress a lot. This can lead to tension building within you which then one day spills over as emotional outbursts on others.
You become overly sensitive
People who lack self-respect become overly sensitive due to their own inferiority complex. This can often lead to being easily agitated or taking offence to slightest criticisms.
7 Ways to Protect/Regain Your Self Respect?
Self-respect becomes a reason for your happiness. You take charge of your life and do not let anyone else trample on your values and beliefs. Here is how you can protect or regain your self-respect.
Start with Self Care
Caring for your body and mind gives you a better understanding of yourself. Taking time out for exercise and yoga relaxes you, relieves stress and anxiety, and keeps you active. Practicing meditation and mindfulness makes you more aware of your thoughts and emotions. Give yourself a break when you need and practice your hobbies to feel better. When you respect your body and face your fears head-on, you take a step ahead in connecting to yourself and protecting your self-respect.
Admire Your Life
The gift of life is more precious than anything else. We are the luckiest creatures on earth to be able to think, eat, sleep, walk, talk and also make amendments to our mistakes. Accept your flaws and admire yourself for who you are. To regain your self-respect, love yourself a bit more every day.
Set Boundaries
Advocate for yourself and learn to say no to people who use your trust for their convenience. When you stand a strong ground, people look up to you and start respecting you. Improve yourself to become better, but do not go all the way to changing your identity. Respect your imperfections and go on in life with your head up always.
Listen to Your Heart
A deep communication with yourself makes you more aware of your dreams and aspirations. Listen to your heart because that’s where the secret to your happiness is. Self-respect emanates from being your flag bearer and bringing your dreams into submission.
Hold On to Your Values
You should not forego your beliefs and value system for anyone because that’s the foundation to protect your self-respect. You don’t have to unnecessarily agree with others’ opinions to be accepted by them, and rather have the courage to share your beliefs.
Give Time to yourself
When you do things you love or give yourself enough “me time”, that increases your sense of well-being. Reading a new book, planting a sapling, running a marathon, going on a hiking adventure, volunteering for a great cause, or dancing your heart out, and anything else that brings you joy helps regain your self-respect.
Stay Honest
It’s not just your intrapersonal intelligence but also your interpersonal skills that protect your self-respect. You must be able to practice what you preach. Stay true to your words and be honest about your opinions. The clarity in what you do earns you self-respect.
Bring A Positive Transformation
Self-respect can change your life because it teaches you to let go of your ego and live life with confidence and self-esteem. It allows you to accept your originality while giving you the motivation to self-improve. It gives you a direction to move on in life healthily by expressing yourself and understanding others in the process. With a greater sense of self-respect, you grow yourself and fuel growth in others.
Self-respect allows you to appreciate and respect others and you gain the wisdom to see life from a better perspective.
“The secret to happiness is to be yourself and find that inner reservoir of peace we have all been gifted with. Just be yourself!”
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
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Art of Living
The Art of Living is an educational and humanitarian movement engaged in stress-management and service initiatives. The organization operates globally in 152 countries and has touched the lives of over 370 million people.
