R*E*S*P*E*C*T

I'm going to start being my own best friend. So I started thinking about respect.  I  learned that you should respect your elders and be polite to people you meet and things like that. What used to be seen as common decency. Do we still practice that? I remember well how the grandparents of my generation raved about ¨the youth of today¨ when I was a youth. And I hear now that it hasn't gotten any better. My parents’ generation complaints just as much about my children's generation today. But what is it that makes us end up complain about the youth? I can to a degree agree that young people don't always spout polite phrases. But maybe it's just because they're like that at that age.

I wasn't always polite either. Or, actually, I actually was. After all, I am perfect absolutely a ¨good girl.” But let’s be serious, I was probably also a loud young person at the shopping mall from time to time, for example. But I, as a person, was not rude. I was just a youth feeding on the group's energy. Together we were too noisy on the bus and seemed intimidating in the street when we met ¨grandma.¨ But that didn't really make us bad people. We did what we thought we should to fit in with our group. Finding our place in the community. It is hugely important learning in the noisy, disruptive age. We've all been through it in one way or another. Whether it was small or large riots. So we've all had at least one episode where we made choices that weren't out of respect for those around us. Does that mean we are always disrespectful? I do not think so. 

Sebastian is respectful. That doesn't mean he's perfect. He can lie, be loud, break rules and walk the streets with a large group of boys. Does that make him a bad person? No! It makes him a young person on his way into the community in a new way. He checks what is accepted and what is not. He makes life experiences. We adults must be there and show where the boundaries are. It is very important for their learning.

Another thing that has been on my mind lately is this about respecting yourself! Do we teach them that? Are we teaching young people that it is just as important to respect themselves? We teach them that they should greet politely, say “thank you for the food”, give up their seat on the bus, etc. But do we teach them that they must respect themselves just as much? That brushing your teeth, exercising, eating healthy etc. is important, because your body is important. Because their brains are important. These young people are the future. They will cure diseases, explore space and, not the least, raise the next generation! Shouldn't they learn that they themselves are hugely important and should be treated with respect? Not only by those around them, but also by themselves. .

This is my work keyring. There are many characteristics. Among them is respect. Underneath the picture it says: ¨It is when we show consideration for ourselves, others, things, and those who decide.¨ This is from Smart Oppvekst  and a program called AART. Fantastic program which is really useful learning to function in society. And the fact that consideration for ourselves is the first on the list is so good!!

There are many people who harm themselves, drink alcohol and take drugs at an early age. They do things to themselves that are not the least bit respectful. That should be one of the most important things we can teach them. If they value themselves, maybe respect for others follows? I think so. At least hope so.

I know that now that I'm starting to like myself a little more, it's easier to like others. I am more able to see things I respect in others, because I am able to see beyond. I don't have to just look inward and have all the focus on myself anymore. I trust myself more, so I don't have to guard every word and every thought. The more confident I am in myself, the more confident I can be in those around me. And the more confident I am, the more respect I show. It can be like that with young people too.

It can actually be like that with all of us. Because there are probably some adults who could benefit from a little more self-love too. Then maybe we can give even more charity as a result 🤞🏼

Translated by Kari Boisvert