Respect

I have written over 650 things and never missed a day posting.  I normally post something in the morning and something in the evening.  As I say, I have never missed a day – until now.
It is not something I am inclined to do, or do lightly, but there is a reason for it.  There is a word that sums it up.  That word is respect.
Having considered it, I see it as important to think about it in the light of my actions.
According to the dictionary respect has a number of meanings but the one motivating me at the moment is “to have due regard for the feeling, wishes and rights of others.” As I say not writing is not something I am looking for an excuse to do.  Just like in Sesame Street the Count likes to count, I like to write.  There are many reasons for writing, but I find a benefit is it gives me a chance to record my thoughts, and perhaps modify my position.
I feel the word respect has been devalued.  Just like $1 was worth more 20 years ago, respect seems to have come more naturally 20 years ago.  Then again, maybe the lack of it was just hidden better once, or was seen as a standard rather than a deviation.
To me lifestyle is not something to be legislated.  I either have it or I don’t.  Naturally legislation can help, and can be a great reminder, but I will never be something I am not.  I may tone down my behaviour or subdue it or take it out of sight, but I am what I am.  In one sense what I am is what I am when there is seemingly no one around to modify my behaviour.
There is even a government campaign called “Respect.”  It is right and necessary, but to me a snake is always a snake.  I must do all I can to limit the power of a lack of respect, and make it as hard as possible to do.   I think though, it would be wrong to think that a word guarantees a change in outlook.  The best I can hope for is that a lack of respect is seen to be undesirable.  I can not change anyone.  A word cannot change anyone.  Only someone can change if they are wanting to change.  Even then, it may be a slower process than I would like.   I am not condoning bad behaviour – I am just considering it.
I hear statements like “give them some respect” or “respect your elders.”  The advice can be good and right, but it will only be effective if the person it is directed to complies. Sometimes complying is less a matter of the heart, than a matter of the implications of not doing it can be dire.  But I will take what I can get.
They say “respect is earned” and it is.  They also say “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and no it was not.  I may decide right now that respect for all will be my nature.  To me that is an admirable desire.  It does not mean though that tomorrow I will not fall flat on my face.  But as in all things, it is not failure that defines me.  Who I am does.  I may have been one way, but I want to be another.  If I am genuine then I don’t need condemnation, I need instruction and encouragement.