To respect myself

What does this mean?

Literally, the act of looking back.

To treat with esteem, regard with some degree of reverence. 

How do we respect ourselves? How do we treat ourselves with esteem? 

Are we our word? Hence, can we trust the promises we make to ourselves? And the promises we make to others?

This is key. Are we our word to ourselves? I will do this. I will not do that. 

Or is our word lies, our hopes and dreams without actions? Just talk?

Do we treat our bodies and mind with care and consideration? Eat well, get adequate sleep. Refrain from addictive abuse? 

Do we respect the environment we are in? Keep it clean, put out the trash? Make the bed? 

Do we respect the relationships around us? Or do we allow abuse? Emotional, physical, mental, spiritual?

Do we care for the community, for the larger Universe, of which we are a part? Do we speak for the marginalised, erased and silenced? The voiceless? Our future?

Self-respect is an act of reverence. An act. Taking action. Built on healthy habits. Keeping things clean and clear.

From the rubble of little to no self-respect, we can build a home able to accommodate our beautiful spirit. One brick at a time. 

To begin. Be your word to self. Then others.

Published May 7th 2026. Photo taken May 7th 2023