R•E•S•P•E•C•T, September 15th

We all have things that without even thinking about we bow down to. Witnessing someone perfectly parallel park into a super tight spot. Unapologetically requesting the very last chocolate almond croissant at a sell out bakery at 7am. Someone effortlessly balancing two Navel oranges, a bag of salad, a carton of eggs and three blocks of Parm at the grocery store without the aid of a cart, basket or bag. Guuurl, you’ve got this. There are lots of ways we all impress on another. And I gave this some thought…

Like when Tom Hanks charms the Zabar’s cashier to take credit on the cash only lane for his love interest who happens to be Meg Ryan. So sweet. Or when Popup Bagels gifts you an extra everything bagel when you only ordered three with a schmear. Score and thank you!

I was in Reagan National airport not too long ago and saw a whole line of wheelchairs ready to greet an incoming flight. Like a LOT of wheelchairs. So, okay, I thought a bunch of elderly folks must be about to deplane. And then I heard the clapping. From literally everyone. The occupants of said wheelchairs were all veterans– men and women in uniform and easily the youngest looked 95. Not only did the entire terminal clap, but most that were seated stood up to cheer, including me. I even got teary. (I’m not crying, you’re crying.) Now that’s a whole ‘nuther level of respect, people.

There are a lot of folks that I totally respect. Women who strike out on their own and make a go of it. Working moms. Stay at home moms– OMG hats off to doing the hardest job in the world. Leaders of non-profits. Absolutely anyone doing manual labor. People who have to work on major holidays. Anyone who has the discipline to stick to a budget. Those who can mind their own business and refrain from gossiping. Anyone who has climbed a mountain, moved a mountain, skied down a mountain or not created a mountain out of a mole hill– congratulations. Those who can smile instead of saying what they really think– the restraint is remarkable. People who say they are over it and actually move on– well done.

I never understood people who show respect to some and no respect to others, especially those doing jobs that those folks would never do. Long ago I was a waitress. Ok, not the most glamorous job, but I loved it. And I know some people who are so rude to servers. Or make fun of them. But why? They are literally there to serve you and make a living! How about a little respect. Maybe even a thank you? And certainly a great tip if the service is good. All working people deserve respect. It’s not the job they do that represents who they are, it’s the fact that they are doing a job.

AI says, “Respect, in its simplest form is showing admiration or consideration for someone or something, acknowledging their value or importance. It involves recognizing the inherent worth of individuals and treating them with courtesy, kindness, and empathy.”

This is respect according to ARETHA FRANKLIN
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Take care, TCB.
Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)

I think the most important respect we can show first is to ourselves. If we set healthy boundaries, are mindful of our relationships, and kind to ourselves, we set a good example of what self-respect should look like. So that others can watch, learn and emulate our behavior. Because showing respect is a learned behavior. And it’s never too late to start. Just a little bit could go a long way.