Respect Earned Is Respect Kept

Respect…

Webster’s defines respect as “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements”

With all due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.

Unfortunately, many people make remarks without giving any thought to the feelings of others even though the targeted people are deserving of respect.

Words are like bullets, once they’re out there, they can’t be called back. Always think before you speak.

Verbally putting someone down doesn’t make you better than they are, and by taking that path you’ll often find you’ve alienated yourself from many people and no longer respected by those in earshot.

I’ve been fortunate enough to train and participate in sports events such as Jiu Jitsu and triathlons and I have to say the respect between athletes never ceases to amaze and impress me.

It’s amazing how race, color, creed, age, religion or level of ability in sports doesn’t make a difference to most; everyone is accepted and respected for who they are, it’s truly a beautiful thing.

Let me give you an example…

My son and I were in the Grand Garden Arena in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to see an MMA event. While walking through the lobby we just happened to meet one of the featured fighters on the day of the weigh ins.

As a high profile fighter, he could have easily brushed us off, and on the day before a fight, I would have totally understood.

But he didn’t…

He showed interest in the fact that I was in my sixties and enjoyed mixed martial arts training, and at the end of our conversation he wished me well and said he wanted to be like me when he reached my age.

That was a courteous young man showing respect to a senior citizen.

I often tell other senior citizens that they should earn respect rather than expect it. And the majority of them have earned it.

Actually, the Best Life Herbals office is full of young people that know all about how and when to show respect.

Those who bash seniors have also obviously overlooked a valuable resource of knowledge and experience and can still be contributing members of society.

There’s no reason to put us out to pasture yet.

At some point in our life, without giving thought, we have all failed to show respect when it was deserved or spoken hurtful words and caused pain…

And often times we are on the receiving end.

The point is, we should learn to think before we speak and to show respect.

Please remember, never allow anyone to convince you that you’re too old or you can’t because you’re not and you can.
 

MIZPAH!

Doc