More On Respect

Respect. My most recent lesson. One I am trying to incorporate into my daily life. In as such, life seems to have taken on a different pace and I have taken on a different role. The difference is subtle, but it exists all the same.

I find that in giving respect to the people I encounter, I am forced to slow down a bit, to listen, to do my best not to interrupt. I find that I must think before I speak: "Is what I'm about to say critical or negative? Is what I'm going to say going to be perceived the way I intend? Is my humor going to be somewhat hurtful?" So I am listening more. And I am more calm. In dealing with strangers or friends I have not seen for a long time, I find that I am often uncomfortable and awkward. In treating them respectfully, I find it easier to face them.

And I am trying to extend these principals to myself. I am trying to not fill my head with negative self-talk. I am trying to be humble but not self-effacing. I am trying to let myself grieve gracefully, to acknowledge my disappointments and to be real.

Doing so is not as hard as I thought it might be. On all fronts. It's just a matter of taking a split second to think.

Like I said the other day, I hope I can make it last.

CycloneGirl says to do something for 21 days and it will become a habit. I will try to act this way for the entire month of October, and longer if I can. Hopefully, it will become a habit.