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agree. Hey, Riley has his own room? Was he being punished? Why didn’t he get to say Hi to V.?
(laughing) Riley and Michael share an office. V just had a minute and Riley is a big production of a greeter who probably would run out the front door if given the chance. Riley and V spend a lot of quality time together, no worries. Also, Riley is totally spoiled. As you may have figured out.
I could not agree more. Lack of respect seems to be bothering me more and more lately. It simply is no longer being taught.
Doreen, is it parents who don’t teach it?
Respect is one of the primary values I’ve tried to teach my children. In fact, the times I’ve been angry with them were the times when they treated someone disrespectfully. Interestingly, I never had trouble with the legendary “terrible teen” years…and I’m pretty sure that had a lot to do with the respect I showed them.
You should so write a book about that. Because lots of parents would love to know that secret!
I agree that respect is lacking of late. Perhaps it is not being taught or demonstrated by parents? One can easily recognize those who ARE respectful, as they are in the minority. Let’s play Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” out loud!
Love that song!
Adding on to what keeps going through my mind in reference to respect for all living things…
People over the years have often asked me how I kept a whole menagerie of various houseplants looking so healthy and happy.
My “secret” has always been that I listen to the plants. I remain aware of their condition and I talk to them. The thing that always raises eyebrows though is when I share that sometimes a plant will mentally call me to them – from several rooms or a different floor away even!
It may sound goofy, but it is true. I am very grateful to a Universe that makes such interspecies communication possible. And it is possible because of respect.
i need to tune in better…my black thumb gets the best of me.
I honestly believe social media and cell phones have intensified the problem. Now people can say anything without looking the other person in the eye and it carries over. kids and Young adults see and spew so much venom on line and in texts that it becomes a part of who they are. As a high school teacher, it is a constant battle. I am amazed at what kids will say in tweets and texts. One of the reason HS stopped using Facebook is that their parents and teachers showed up…they want to be able to say anything uncensored. I honestly believe this is the foundation of a growing problem…we can emphasize and teach respect but they do not see it modeled in many places.
This is a sad state of affairs and your perspective is eye opening and frightening…
The more I’m out in nature, the more this message resonates for me. We are responsible to take care of the gifts we’ve been given and animals are just one of many.
Couldn’t agree more.
Absolutely! It is crucial as we are losing our fellow creatures and our resources.
Thanks, Tam. Agreed.
I recently found a new show on TV about homesteaders in Alaska. It made an impression on me how they tried to kill only for food or to protect their property, always try to kill quickly and mercifully and sometimes thank the animal for allowing them to eat. I think we either have respect for living things or we don’t, but there’s no reason to pick and choose which ones.
Boy, is THAT a good point.
I totally agree! Respect is something that my husband and I stress with our children, not just by words, but by our actions to them and to each other. Thanks for a great post!
Bless you. Your kids are miles ahead.
Respect is NOT being taught. And our gentility is going out the door with it!
Gentility again. Yep.
Yes indeed, we should have respect for all living things.
Thanks, Connie.
I agree with you that there seems to be less respect than ever in our society and kids are definitely picking up on it. But I think we need to teach our children to have respect for themselves and their bodies at the same we are teaching them to respect others.
Respect applies in so many areas.
The lack of respect is generational. We were admonished by our parents of the social changes when growing up. With the advancements in technology we are seeing an antiseptic generation who communicate through fiber optics. Thus the suppression of emotional reactions.
Much easier to push the delete button.
Damn I love my dog!
You DO love your dog. How IS your dog?
The longer I observe animals the more I think we are not alone in attributes we assign as uniquely human: compassion, love, ingenuity, memory, sorrow; just to name a few.
Agree wholeheartedly.
Great article! This is something very important to me while raising my children. Everything is here for a reason and should be treated as such!
I wholeheartedly agree, Carol. Respect is essential, even if we disagree with someone or their opinion. That’s the part where so many of us fall down. But if we want someone to respect our opinion then we must give respect to them as well. I hope I’ve taught my son this lesson well. ~ Bobbi
it really is important.
I have two cats and, when I’m quiet and in the moment, I can tell exactly what they need. But I have to be present. I have to notice when the Reese, the older one, is no longer begging for my attention but sitting nearby waiting patiently for me to acknowledge him or notice the low meow just before he enters the room with one of grandson’s slippers. At those times, I know I need to stop what I’m doing and just say ‘Hi’ or thank him for slaying that evil Thomas the Train slipper for me. And when Lil Momma, the two year old, meows from another room, my goal is to always answer, get off my tush and see what’s wrong. Sometimes, it’s nothing she just wants a little conversation and a scratch. Other times, it’s the food bowl or litter box. I’ve often gotten really close to their noses and whispered “Hello, Spirit” simply because I recognize we’re all one. Acknowledgement is respectful. I really enjoyed reading this post.
love this…thanks.
A good reminder. Also, sometimes I want to remind people that we humans are not separate from nature — we are part of it. The idea of separation makes it easier for us to disrespect that which is Other.
Such a great point, Lori.
I do not know if it’s just me or if everybody else encountering issues with your
blog. It seems like some of the text within your content
are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide
feedback and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
This may be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Thank you