Tag: limiting beliefs

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Just a Little Bit

In Texas, they tell it like it is, respectfully. In Texas and in Hawaiian culture, younger generations respect their elders, or Aunties and Uncles in Hawaiian. I was brought up to respect my elders. Why? Not because they are smarter and/or know more, well, that part is probably true, but because they deserve to be heard and to impart their wisdom on the younger generations.

I had that lesson today. I was trying to impart my opinion/philosophy on someone in their 20’s and I was rather rudely told, well, told off. WoW!

I respected their opinion and told them so, as well as, reminding them that if you post something on Facebook, then you have to be prepared to get the good response as well as the not so good. Right? Well, I am also thinking that they probably weren’t really mad at me, just upset that they have some other battle going on and I seem to have popped their balloon, maybe they weren’t having such a great day. It’s all good.

I reminded them that I loved them and I would mind my own business next time. If they want my opinion, they can ask me for it, respectfully given, and respectfully received.

I Expect Respect Because I Give It

I’ve noticed in the two climates mentioned above, Texas and Hawaii, that the young for the most part, from what I’ve seen and experienced, respect their elders. They refer to an older generation as Ma’am and Sir in Texas. I love that. And, I’ve experienced it and relish when I visit as I appreciate being honored.

Same thing in Hawaii. I’ve volunteered at a Hawaiian descendants summer camp and the first day when I was introduced to the attendee’s, the matriarch asked the children what I was to be called if they needed my help. In unison, their response was, “Auntie Anne”. Wow! When I heard them say that, I felt it in my body like a wave upon a shore, a wave of respect and love.

What I’ve also noticed in both those cultures, because Texas is a culture in and of itself. Thank God! Most everyone I’ve met actually looks me in the eye when in conversation. They hold the door for me/us and genuinely seems to care. Now I know that that is not everyone and I am sure that I’ve missed some folks who do not do the things mentioned.

Different Places Have Different Cultures

I am just saying that I’ve noticed a difference between these two cultures and climates and my own here in California. Are we too laid back, go with the flow (one of my favorite mantras)? Or, do we truly not care how we treat others especially the elder generations? I don’t really know. What I do know, is that if someone I care about whether they are my age, my children’s age or even older, I, as Aretha Franklin sings, R.E.S.P.E.C.T. them first and foremost. Even if it’s the first time meeting them.

Now if I know them well enough that I think they need some parental input, then I give it lovingly and honestly. Why? Because if I feel I need to say something, then I say it, coming from the heart. And, I let them know that I love them and that I’m saying it because it needs to be said. P.E.R.I.O.D. If I am so concerned what others think of me, then I’m going to shrivel up and die never speaking my truth. Not happening. Not in this life time.

Truth and Respect Go Hand in Hand

And, it is not just because I am a life coach or parent or friend. It is because the truth always, A.L.W.A.Y.S. prevails, always. So, if I don’t speak my truth about something to someone that I feel needs to be said, then I die and so do they, a little bit. This is what works for me. If I don’t, then it festers and over a period of time. Over that period of not voicing my heart, disease sets in and illness prevails, the death of the soul, the heart and possibly the body.

Now, what you do with what I’ve written or said, that is up to you. I am an open book, and I am willing, or should I say, W.I.L.L.I.N.G., to put myself out there in full expression of my most beautiful and amazing self, because it is no different than what Jesus did. I will gladly take the flowers and stones if that is what anyone chooses to throw my way. Why? Because that is my truth. And, I know that I speak my truth from an unconditional loving heart. Open to the gifts, whatever they are.

Please, please, please BE RESPECTFUL and speak with a loving heart.

Blessings,

Anne