Honor and respect.
These two words seem to be neglected in today's society.
It use to be said and thought before placing a thought into action "Is it moral and is it ethical." Today it seems more people work under the motto "Is it legal and can I get away with it."
What does this have to do with respect and honor? A lot. We expect our youth to have and demonstrate those traits when they grow up without us demonstrating them.
We are quick to critique another...behind backs or via social media, yet we deny or fail to say that same thought in person. In that where is the honor and respect?
When I speak to you about my difference in opinion it is not to win you over to my side. I speak to you my belief because first I have honor and I respect myself. It is not about disrespecting you, I am honoring and respecting me.
Too often today people say that when another disagrees with them, they are being disrespected. The failure to adopt the opinion of another does not mean you are being disrespected, it means the other person has the right to self thought. Remove your feelings out of the equation. Everything is not about you. They spoke up about how they feel because they respect and honor themselves enough to be true to themselves and respect you enough to voice their opinion to you. Now how they present their different opinion is another factor completely.
If we open our minds before our mouths with the intent to discuss with the intent to listen, enlighten, and resolve, instead of with the intent to WIN, then all are better.
Today with all things of value, what is it that we sign? A contract. Sometimes we complain about signing that. Why is that? I believe the answer is simple. We do not want to be held accountable for our actions or our lack of action. Unfortunately, in today's world our yes does not mean yes. Because we simply have no honor or self respect.
So how do we turn this tide of non accountability? It begins with you and me. No more excuses. When we fail we accept the consequence and set the example of how to accept those consequences. I didn't say it is easy but it does begin with us. We do not excuse our actions based upon the actions of another. We do not justify what we have done based upon what another has done and gotten away with. We look at ourselves and say what can I do better. It starts with us. It starts with us respecting and honoring ourselves and requiring our youth to do the same.
IT DOES NOT TAKE VILLAGE! IT TAKES YOU BEING ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOU AND THOSE AROUND YOU. Then others will follow, which influences the village.
No more excuses! As Nike says "Just Do It!"