the 3 things i learned about self-respect

1. it's called self-respect for a reason.

in a society where it's so easy (sometimes it even comes naturally) to judge and be judged, the ideas of what self-respect really means are conflicting and contradictory. what we tend to forget is that it's called self-respect for a reason. it's internal and you're the sole person in this world who can give any kind of measurement to how much you respect yourself. you cannot listen to others who tell you otherwise. 

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'the woman (or any other person!!) who does not require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet' - mohadesa najumi

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2. love yourself

respect yourself enough to know your worth. understand the importance of valuing and protecting yourself from negativity & harsh opinions. it's crucial because it frees you from the pressure of acceptance we all seek from others. it's the most empowering thing in the world, accepting yourself. loving yourself based on your own standards, knowing that you don't have anything to prove to anyone but yourself. know what you deserve. respect yourself enough to walk away from toxic relationships & people. no one is worth losing yourself over. it's not worth it -- but you are.

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'respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy'

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3. it's about what makes you happy.

respecting yourself means you do what you want. it's about doing things that make you happy, regardless of what anyone's opinion is. you have to do what you need to, to make yourself. a big misconception about self-respect is that it is based on your sexuality or the clothes you wear -- or the clothes you don't wear. as long as it is your choice, as long as it is consensual, and as long as it makes you feel good about yourself, it is perfectly fine. it doesn't matter if you've had countless relations with the opposite sex (or the same). it doesn't matter if you've never even kissed anyone. it doesn't matter if you show too much skin or if you don't show anything at all. it's all about what you want for yourself, what makes you comfortable, and what makes you happy.

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'just keep moving forward and don't give a shit about what anybody thinks. do what you have to do, for you' - johnny depp

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