As Merriam-Webster defines it, Dignity is “the quality or state of being worthy of honor and respect.”
Most people assume that the word dignity means respect. In reality, dignity is our inherent value as a human being and respect is something that is earned from others. Dignity is also a concept that seems to be a lost cause these days. People are so concerned with fitting in and making others happy that they bend to the societal breeze like stalks of grain in a tornado. Dignity is not something you get from others, it is something that you maintain in your own heart. On of my absolute favorite gems from the internet that I have stumbled across lately is Shannon L. Alder’s definition of dignity:
Dignity
/ˈdignitē/ noun
1. The moment you realize that the person you cared for has nothing intellectually or spiritually to offer you, but a headache.
2. The moment you realize God had greater plans for you that don’t involve crying at night or sad Pinterest quotes.
3. The moment you stop comparing yourself to others because it undermines your worth, education and your parent’s wisdom.
4. The moment you live your dreams, not because of what it will prove or get you, but because that is all you want to do. People’s opinions don’t matter.
5. The moment you realize that no one is your enemy, except yourself.
6. The moment you realize that you can have everything you want in life. However, it takes timing, the right heart, the right actions, the right passion and a willingness to risk it all. If it is not yours, it is because you really didn’t want it, need it or God prevented it.
7. The moment you realize the ghost of your ancestors stood between you and the person you loved. They really don’t want you mucking up the family line with someone that acts anything less than honorable.
8. The moment you realize that happiness was never about getting a person. They are only a helpmate towards achieving your life mission.
9. The moment you believe that love is not about losing or winning. It is just a few moments in time, followed by an eternity of situations to grow from.
10. The moment you realize that you were always the right person. Only ignorant people walk away from greatness.
