Have you ever wondered why so many people subject themselves to verbal and physical abuse? Why? Why? Why?. I came to realize that people expose themselves to such mistreatments because they are in search of self-respect. I fully believe that one has control over how others treat them. Yes, some people can be very ruthless and exibit a cut-throat mentality; however they can only inflict harm if you allow them to.
I also believe it is critical to first learn to love yourself, then and only then can one demand the same from others. It took me until I was 25 years old to learn to not self sabotage. I finally learned to choose my friends very carefully. True friends will want the best for you, they will not put you down, or make you feel inferior to them. For the longest time I sought out people who in one way or form would always make me feel sub-standard. The most important lessons I learned from these bad experiences was to forgive these people for I was the one who allowed them to mistreat me. I have since learned to love myself, to forgive myself and most important of all to have respect for myself.
I am amazed at the newly found friends that are so very healthy for my self-esteem. Why is that? At first, I thought it was luck. No, my friend luck has nothing to do with it! It has to do with me and me only! I radiate with self-confidence, people see that and they will treat you based on how you portray yourself.
I surely like the new me. The new me is not afraid anymore, the new me does not easily get offended. Lastly, the new me is eager to live life to the fullest. The new me does not blame others, I survey the situation in an objective way. Instead of seething with anger when things do not go my way, I take a check-up from the neck up. Nine times out of ten the real truth will surface and the best thing to do is to learn from your errors and move on. I love my new found freedom in learning to love and respect myself!
Regis