Respect and Freedom
We are continuing our discussion about the multifaceted concept of freedom. This week we are focusing on how to use respect and freedom to fortify our relationships.
Let's start by breaking down the meaning of respect. When we respect someone, we admire that person for their abilities, skills, or achievements. Respect is also known as a deep regard for someone's traditions, values, emotions, and rights. Based on these definitions, can you see how respect can create more freedom in our relationships?
When we are admired for being who we are and know that our loved ones have a deep regard for our feelings, traditions, and values, we feel respected. We know that we are valued and celebrated. We feel free to be our authentic selves.
When I think of respect, I hear Aretha Franklin belting out the chorus:
R-E-S-P-E-C-T,
Find out what it means to me,
R-E-S-P-E-C-T,
Take care of TCB!
(You hear it too, don't you? You're welcome) 😉
TCB means taking care of business (I had to look that up, lol) 😜
When we give respect, we are (TCB) taking care of the business of the relationship and allowing love to flow freely! Here are a few respectful tips that encourage freedom in your relationships.
1. Be reliable and accountable.
Honor your word. Do what you say you're going to do. When you mess up (and you will because you're human), admit it and ask for forgiveness. Actions speak louder than words. So, make sure your actions align with the things you say. Behaviors aligned with our stated values build trust. And guess what happens next. We experience freedom!
2. Listen with compassion to your loved one's desires and concerns.
Take the space and time to be present with your loved ones. I talk about the importance of listening because it is vital to feeling respected. There is nothing worse than pouring out our hearts to someone who isn't listening. It makes us feel as though they couldn't care less.
This is something I'm currently working on with my teens. If you have teens or have had teens, you understand. They have a tendency to rant, and I quickly lose interest and want them to get to the point. I often say, "I'm busy! Get to the point!". I know, not good. I'm working on my patience. My impatience makes them feel angry and frustrated and leads to them shutting down. When I take the time to stop and listen to what they have to say, they relax. They feel heard and respected, and they get to the point faster (it works for us all).
3. Appreciate your differences.
We live in a society that has difficulty managing differences. We have developed an "us against them" mentality towards people with differing opinions and points of view. This shows up in politics, religion, race, finances, and even our close relationships. The pressure of needing our loved ones to think and behave like us is crippling for our relationships.
We are designed to be different. Our loved ones are not supposed to agree with us at all times. Learning how to appreciate and embrace our differences creates respect and freedom in our relationships. We know that we don't have to agree with our loves' ideas to make a peaceful connection.
I hope these tips inspire you to go for more freedom in all of your interactions.
Love and Be loved!
Danielle ❤️
