You can raise the dignity of people, places and things by the way you treat them…including yourself!
It all begins in our thoughts. How we view things and others, the value we place on them will determine how we continue to think, talk and act.
“This car is old and clunky” (sign of disrespect) Instead, raise the dignity of it-and you-by keeping it clean, polished, vacuumed and organized. Old cars are in style anyway!
“My house and yard are old, need painting, and the sidewalk is crumbly.” Raise the dignity without a new paint job…rake the yard, keep the sticks and trash picked up, wash the windows, keep the walk swept and plant some flowers…maybe trim the bushes too. Shabby chic is in!
“The check-out lady looks rather old and frumpy, didn’t even smile at me.” Raise the dignity by smiling at her, thanking her for helping you, say something kind to her or others in line. She will feel better and so will you.
“Did you see how sloppy he looks? You’d think…” Raise the dignity. Don’t make rude comments about others, or to others. You don’t know what they’re going through. Be friendly to them. Kindness is always fashionable.
“Our neighborhood is going down-hill. Nobody seems to care about things anymore.” Raise the dignity. Keep your place up and maybe organize with a few other families, get some trash bags and walk the streets to elevate the appearance. Others will notice and eventually might want to join in. Maybe check into turning a vacant space into a neighborhood garden.
My high school government teacher always dressed well and treated every student in his classes respectfully and earnestly no matter how they looked or talked. He raised the dignity in his classes by doing those two things. He treated himself in a dignified manner, which everyone noticed, and he treated others with dignity, which everyone noticed.
How can we raise the dignity of people, places and things in our lives beginning today?
Think on it.
Mrs. Goodfinder 