Day 23: Respect

Always remember that respect is reciprocal, a "win-win" equation. When you forgive yourself, you can more easily forgive others, and vice-versa.

Never show disrespect to others—or accept it yourself. If anyone offers you an insult, you don’t have to take it as such.

1. Go deeper: Borrow some wisdom from Gandhi on respect. In Satyagraha in South Africa (Chapter 17), he says, “Satyagraha postulates the conquest of the adversary by suffering in one’s own person.” This is more than a recommendation — it’s an instruction. For Gandhi, nonviolence required refusing hatred or humiliation and honoring the dignity of one’s opponent, even in conflict. What does that mean to you?

2. Practice: Become aware of the next time you deprecate yourself in your own thoughts and words. Consider sharing this observation with a trusted friend, and give them permission to support you in shifting this hurtful pattern.