I took myself camping at a beautiful spot on the Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior and spent three days enjoying the quiet beauty of my view and the beauty of sitting at a campground reading and writing. It was at this place that I realized the most wonderful revelation so far in my life.

I need to respect myself.

Doesn't it seem ridiculous that I would have to realize this? It is a simple yet far reaching concept.

I have to allow myself to take days off. I have to realize that I work really hard and am a dedicated, loyal worker. I have to understand that I will write my book when the time is right. I have to believe that I am an interesting human being. I have to start thinking that I am worth my own love. I have to believe that I am cool enough to wait for a great guy to date instead of settling for another mediocre one. I have to respect myself!

I'm not alone. There are a million people out there just allowing others to abuse them, overuse them, and take them for granted. It is not the fault of those doing the using. We, the used, HAVE TO RESPECT OURSELVES! We have to create boundaries and guidelines to live by and not destroy ourselves trying to help everyone else and not ourselves.

So, now I respect myself. I made the decision to respect myself about five months ago and my whole life makes so much more sense now. I am happy, so people that come into my space are happy. My job improved, I let one guy go from my dating life and made room for the best man I've ever been with, and I am having more fun in life. I go to concerts, I eat out when I don't feel like cooking, and I splurge on great coffee because it makes me happy and I deserve it.

I have not stopped respecting other people, I have only added myself to that list.

Sitting on a folding chair, gazing at blue water and writing in a journal, I figured myself out, and found out that I am a person to be respected. It has changed my life.

Learn more about this author, Beth Burns.
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