CREATING RESPECT

Being respectful and showing others that I value and care for them is a high priority for me.  However, it’s a reality that becomes nearly impossible when my mind becomes filled with judgment and expectation.  I stop seeing you as you really are and suddenly it’s more about me than it is you or us.  Respect starts to slip away and I begin to react.  Sometimes I am completely unaware that the thoughts I am telling myself about what you said or did are not facts but merely beliefs or assumptions.  I blindly create walls, prejudice, distance and disrespect, becoming angry, hurt, frustrated, narrow-minded and intolerant.  This is definitely not the person I choose to be.

Today I will recognize when I feel slighted or hurt and ask myself what story I’m telling myself that is creating this feeling.  Before I react, I will communicate my interpretation of your action directly to you in order to find out if I’ve misunderstood your intention; most of the time I find I have.  I will remember that I want to participate in an honest, open encounter with you and create mutual acceptance, and care.  I choose to walk the road with you today showing you the respect you deserve.