With election day finally behind us, we now have a choice before us as individuals: to respect each other, or to not respect each other. Most decent folks would likely be quick to say we choose respect, of course! But our actions must match our words.
Baseball legend Jackie Robinson is quoted as saying: “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” This sentiment gets to the heart of what respect really means.
Respect does not mean agreement. It does not mean sameness. It does not necessarily even mean friendship. At its core, respect is about acknowledging each other’s shared humanity. This is the one thing we will always all have in common with each other!
The powers that be often benefit from our mutual dehumanization of each other. When we stop respecting and acknowledging our shared humanity, it’s much easier to choose sides and demonize our so-called “opponents”, which in the end only serves to give those in charge of the conflict more power over all of us and our emotions.
Our emotions actually play a significant role in the way respect shows up in our lives. As it relates to one’s mental health or recovery journey, difficult emotions often lead to difficult behaviors, which can fracture relationships. Fractured relationships often result with both the loss of respect for ourselves, and the loss of respect for each other.
Thankfully, respect for self and others can be rebuilt and regained! Through the good, hard work of therapy, treatment, and communal support, we can reconnect with our own humanity and the humanity we share with those around us.
Those of us who have loved ones who have struggled with mental health or substance use, but have not experienced it ourselves, also have a responsibility to pursue and maintain respect for them. Yes, there will be hurt feelings and difficult situations. But if we can still keep respecting them no matter what, the forgiveness and healing and growth all come much easier in the end.
If you or someone you know is struggling today, The Willow Center is here and ready to help.
Written by Chase Cotten, Community Director at The Willow Center
