What does respect mean to me?
I was given the breath of life twenty six years ago and shared my mother’s womb with my best friend forever. We were born a mere thirty seconds a part by cesarean section. My mother was stitched up with fishing line and developed a staph infection shortly after giving birth to us. We were born during the eighties on an Indian Reservation where doctors sterilized Indian women without their consent. I don’t think her bang up stitch job came much as a surprise to her, but when I first learned this, I vowed to myself, my mother, and my God that I would always appreciate what I have and who I am.
So here I sit today, in the middle of my Indian Reservation (Yes, I personalized this place to be my own.) I ponder my life on a daily basis, always wondering what I can do to make life ‘"better"’ for people here. I know whatever it is that I choose to do, I will approach everything with respect for life. I also know that before I can even attempt change anywhere, I must begin with myself. This inner change in me must always begin with my respect for life.
Respect is a way of living. It is being aware of not only myself and my capabilities, but being aware of everything around me. My awareness is what helps me appreciate being alive, which allows me to appreciate all other living things. Being grateful and having appreciation for everything opens and unlocks the door to holding respect and keeping it. We can lose respect for ourselves, other people or even God, but we can also gain it back.
I know respect isn’t just given to anyone or anything. I must earn your respect; therefore I have to respect myself first. If I don’t respect myself, then who will? I believe compassion and respect hold hands tightly. Their fingers are linked together like old high school sweethearts. Compassion is the ability to look through another person’s eyes. I think compassion, gratitude, and respect are the droplets that make up the much needed spring rain storm of love.
Sunny Clifford is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and lives in Kyle, SD.
I was given the breath of life twenty six years ago and shared my mother’s womb with my best friend forever. We were born a mere thirty seconds a part by cesarean section. My mother was stitched up with fishing line and developed a staph infection shortly after giving birth to us. We were born during the eighties on an Indian Reservation where doctors sterilized Indian women without their consent. I don’t think her bang up stitch job came much as a surprise to her, but when I first learned this, I vowed to myself, my mother, and my God that I would always appreciate what I have and who I am.
So here I sit today, in the middle of my Indian Reservation (Yes, I personalized this place to be my own.) I ponder my life on a daily basis, always wondering what I can do to make life ‘"better"’ for people here. I know whatever it is that I choose to do, I will approach everything with respect for life. I also know that before I can even attempt change anywhere, I must begin with myself. This inner change in me must always begin with my respect for life.
Respect is a way of living. It is being aware of not only myself and my capabilities, but being aware of everything around me. My awareness is what helps me appreciate being alive, which allows me to appreciate all other living things. Being grateful and having appreciation for everything opens and unlocks the door to holding respect and keeping it. We can lose respect for ourselves, other people or even God, but we can also gain it back.
I know respect isn’t just given to anyone or anything. I must earn your respect; therefore I have to respect myself first. If I don’t respect myself, then who will? I believe compassion and respect hold hands tightly. Their fingers are linked together like old high school sweethearts. Compassion is the ability to look through another person’s eyes. I think compassion, gratitude, and respect are the droplets that make up the much needed spring rain storm of love.
Sunny Clifford is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and lives in Kyle, SD.
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