Congratulations, we have survived another holiday season! I hope with all of the chaos and stress the holidays can bring, you also had some time to relax and enjoy. Unfortunately, it always amazes me that the happiest time of the year can bring forth the rudest behaviors in others.

Over the holidays, the rudeness of others can became very apparent. There are those that focus on instant self-gratification with no room for considering the feelings of others. In fact, respect seems to be lacking in some aspects of our society: in the workplace, school and especially in the home.

We can just turn on any reality show and see the disrespect of others as the norm.  The question is when did it become more acceptable to insult and disrespect others? Many of us were raised to respect others.

In fact, the golden rule, to treat others the way you want to be treated, was instilled in many of us at an early age. However, it appears respect somehow went out of fashion and disrespect seems to be a growing epidemic that is present most blatantly in the media.

In 2014, Chris Rock reported he is divorcing his wife of 19 years.  No one seems very surprised by this information since he has been insulting his wife and the overall sanctity of marriage for years with his standup. Sadly, the media highlights more and more cases of disrespect in the home every day. Making it appear that it is common place, the norm and even OK.

So how do we stop this epidemic? Respect, like anything else, must but taught, otherwise, it cannot be learned. It needs to be taught in the home and in school just like everything else. Parents need to instill respect in their children from an early age, which means they have to show respect to themselves, their children and especially their spouse.

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines respect as a feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious and should be treated in an appropriate way. When we respect ourselves and others we recognize our worth and the worth of others. This allows us to rise above pettiness and insecurity so that we can build stronger, more mutually beneficial and enjoyable relationships.

We need to remember how one speaks about their loved ones speaks mountains about who they are as a person and how they see their life. In fact, we often find that the more a person respects themselves and treats others with respect, the more they enjoy their family and life. And life, of course, is meant to be enjoyable and lived to the fullest!

This time of year is perfect to getting started on living your life to the fullest and making changes for the you, and who you want to be! We would love to encourage you to answer the following questions:

• Have you been trying to make changes for the New Year?
• Would you love to lead the life of your dreams but feel defeated by your limiting beliefs?
• Feel as if you keep going around in circles and always being stuck?
• No clarity as to what your passion is or what fuels you?

If one or more of these questions sound familiar to your or a loved one, we encourage you seek further assistance to start changing your life. Call Life Counseling Solutions today at 407-622-1770 to work with one of expert therapist. 

Author: Morgan Rahimi