Oct 30 2008
Self-Respect
“They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them. “
— Mahatma Gandhi
I really enjoyed reading this quote. In a social climate where finances are becoming more and more of an issue because there is less and less of it, or because what we do have needs to be spread further many of us have had to make concessions when it comes to belongings, purchases, etc which have a negative outflow on our lives. This discretion that we place has come to us at some cost. So, I love Ghandi’s quote dealing with self-respect.
With tangible items that we might have or want to have that can help make up our external impression to others lessening, we need to place more importance on other avenues of our lives, including our self-respect. Losing out on tangible items does also force us to wonder about what we might be missing out on, especially in such a tangible world. How do you keep your self-respect intact? How do you let the negative influence or spiral of society roll off your shoulders, or allow yourself to recoup some dignity and keep your self respect?
I have been through leaps and hurdles this past year, and I must say that I have been in low spots. I’ve been able to build my self-esteem, including my self-respect, and be in a place where I agree and can nod my head in acceptance of Ghandi’s quote.
Our freedom of choice, the relationships we build with others, and our identities can never be taken away from us - and we can let our self-respect reign. I’ve really climbed mountains through reading, meditation and prayer to get me through dark spots. I’m now ready to bounce and continue to let my own value be more important than other people’s opinion of me. How do you keep your self-respect?
