Treat Everyone with Respect - STARTING WITH YOURSELF

In this day of corporate upheavals due to mergers, acquisitions and companies closing for a variety of reasons, as well as relationships deemed 'for the moment' instead of eternal with a mindset that a couple is committed, loyal and dedicated to one another. . .the word value of self and valuing others is losing just that. . .value.

 Perhaps you were once respected, promoted and valued for what you brought to an employer, or you thought the one ou loved you wanted to love for a lifetime would love you the same- then CRASH, BOOM. . .things change. An atmosphere once full of respect is now full of cynicism, resentment, meanness and a matrix of madness that turns sanity and support upside down.

The diagram above can help heal and restore respect proving you can resurrect a relationship or enhance your professional life. But the key is keeping one thing in the foremost part of your mind - you can't control how others respond or treat you. You can only find rest, esteem and fulfillment knowing how you extend respect to others.

 People come from backgrounds, environments and persuasions that we will never fully recognize as it's a defense to hide hurt and transition into becoming controlling and even hateful. Your manager can't respect you as their own self-esteem or security is threatened by what you know or the respect you receive from others - so managers try to overpower you and defeat you in numerous ways. The same can be said of your friends and family. Everyone's looking out for Number One - and building walls and barriers instead of creating bridges of unity.

The only thing we can change is ourselves. We can change the way we allow people to treat us by speaking up, but not putting expectation on anyone else to change. We can change our mindset from being negative to positive, we can change expecting others to honor us by learning how to honor ourselves, and always strive to do your best, putting an emphasis on quality without the expectation of reward or merit. If we are raising kids, managing a staff and growing our relationships, we can give others the cycle of respect, but remove the expectations from what you think anyone's response will be. . .and keep your expectations on what you can do to make a difference in any situation of your life.

Words are important, we we can and will make mistakes. . .but mistakes are life lessons and learning experiences. Don't stuff and hide your failures, and if others fail you, don't shake your finger in their faces. Find support through your faith, seek out counsel without stewing on your failures or the failures of others. Grow, learn, forgive and move on.

If you work in an environment where management is heavy handed, abrasive and abusive, and in this economy changes in employment are difficult - seek support and transition your talents through volunteering, find your creative side in art, seek out positive activities with positive people. . .and you will find opportunities that will abound beyond the daily grind and facing low morale throughout your day. Set goals and seek achievements as you strive to excel in avenues you can create for yourself and you will grow and find self-satisfaction in the process. There are also resources to turn to for solace and support, but ensure these are affirming and reputable agencies.  And don't forget to journal - write about these issues.  Keeps notes and emails current as your journey down a rocky relational path, and report abuse through proper channels. . .backing up the trauma with your notes, emails and other documentation will give you credence and enable you to not be enabled or co-dependent to ANY abuser(s). And always remember. . .you were not created to be abused.

Seek what is positive and healthy when you feel like life is boxing you in and you feel meek and living a mere existence. Learn to play a musical instrument, take a class that interests you, join a book club, seek out positive people who aspire to live, love and laugh.

Change comes from within. . .seek the joy of the journey and learn to laugh along the way.