R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I've thought a lot about respect lately. I've had some experiences that have made me really evaluate how I view and treat others. I found this fantastic quote by Henri Frederic Amiel: "There is no respect for others without humility in one's self." I love it! It is so easy to point your finger at other people, it's easy to criticize those that view things differently and it's easy to judge people that you disagree with. I don't mean to be preachy, but "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is very relevant in our society today.

I have no problem with people thinking differently than I. I have no problem with people sharing their views, no matter how much I may disagree. I understand that not everyone thinks like me. What makes perfect sense to me may be completely ridiculous to someone else. I appreciate our differences and respect those people that really stand up for what they believe in, no matter what that might be. I think diversity is important in order for us to develop tolerance and broaden our minds.

HOWEVER, I don't believe it's right to try to get your point across while putting someone else down. In fact, I have a huge problem with this. I don't understand why some people feel the need to disrespect, ridicule, belittle or humiliate others while trying to prove their point. I get so sick of it. I prefer to spend time with people that respect me for who I am and what I stand for. These people may have different religious views than me. They may have different political views. They may have different cultural backgrounds. And perhaps we disagree on a lot of issues. But what it comes back to is R-E-S-P-E-C-T.