I recently realized how much self-respect I have for myself. In some areas, too much. And in others, there leaves much to be desired. And in those others, I refuse to allow myself to be less than what I am.
Once again, I have allowed my light to dim. No longer shining or twinkling as it used to. I find me getting grumpier and more irritable. More and more stuff gets to me. Stuff shakes me again.
And so I have a little prayer:
God, please lead the way. Teach me how to love myself again so I can love others once more. Show me how I can accept others for who they are without being condescending. Show me how I can be nice without being taken advantage of. Show me how I can be me, while loving and giving, without being bullied.
Amen.
Self-respect cannot be hunted. It cannot be purchased. It is never for sale. It cannot be fabricated out of public relations. It comes to us when we are alone, in quiet moments, in quiet places, when e suddenly realize that, knowing the good, we have done it; knowing the beautiful, we have served it; knowing the truth we have spoken it. ~Whitney Griswold
If I despised myself, it would be no compensation if everyone saluted me, and if I respect myself, it does not trouble me if others hold me lightly. ~Max Nordau
Never violate the sacredness of your individual self-respect. ~Theodore Parker
