About Self-Respect

Having self-respect implies that you like yourself and have a considerable amount of pride and dignity. When your respect yourself you feel confident, competent and have the courage to lead your life according to your personal values. Learning to respect yourself and others starts from childhood.

Adults who have low self esteem and don't like themselves grew up believing that someone else is always superior. They abide by the rules. They did things to please others and weren't allowed or guided to make their own decisions. They were criticized and disparaged until they think that their opinions were of no value and they were never good enough.

You are the master of your own destiny, not your boss or your partner. It is your right to have your own goals and pursue them. You must remain loyal, truthful and honest to yourself first. You are worthy of accomplishments and respect from others. You have a right to voice out your opinions and feelings. No one has the power over your thoughts and it is up to you to make up your own mind.

If you risk trying things, mistakes will not happen. However, you will remain stuck and will gain nothing. You earn your own respect by making things happen, by doing what you say you will do. Your sense of pride and self worth comes from the satisfaction of keeping to your words. Pleasure, joy and happiness happen when you are able to take on the challenges of life. There is something that you do very well every day. Applaud your daily victories.

Feeling ashamed and guilty of who you are is destructive. Take a different view and change your perception to regain self-respect. You can change your character, habits and attitudes by changing your mind and taking the necessary steps. You can do something every day to create a difference. It takes a firm resolve to do whatever it takes to free yourself from your limited mindset.

Learn to say "No" to things that you disagree and are against your principles. Have the courage to ask for what you want. When you know what is important, you can express yourself without feeling guilty or obligated. Refuse to allow others to distract your attention on making yourself a better person.

Find out about yourself. How do you do things, feel, react and behave. What are you passionate about in life? Nurture your needs and give yourself the love and warmth that you deserve. Others are unable to understand and fulfill your needs and wants as much as you do because only you can really understand yourself once you start questioning and becoming aware.

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