Perhaps the greatest mistake we make, which causes a loss of self-respect, is making the opinions of others more important than our own opinion of ourselves. Self-respect means just what it says�it originates form the self. This self originated in a universal field of intention that intended you here � from the infinite formless state to a being of molecules and physical substance. If you fail to respect yourself, you�re showing contempt for the process of Creation.
You�ll find no shortage of opinions directed at you. If you allow them to undermine your self-respect, you�re seeking the respect of others over your own, and you�re abdicating yourself. Then you�re attempting to reconnect to the field of intention with low-energy attitudes of judgment, hostility, and anxiety. You�ll cycle into low-energy vibrations that will simply force you to attract more and more of these lower energies into your life. Remember, it�s high energy that nullifies and converts lower energy. Light eradicates darkness; love dissolves hate. If you�ve allowed any of those lower negative thoughts and opinions directed your way to become the basis of your self-portrait, you�re asking the universal mind to do the same. Why? Because at the high frequencies, the universal Source of intention is pure creativeness, love, kindness, beauty, and abundance. Self-respect attracts the higher energy. Lack of self-respect attracts the lower. It knows no other way.
The negative view points of others represent their low-energy ego working on you. Very simple, if you�re judging anyone, you aren�t loving them at that moment. The judgements coming your way, likewise, are unloving but have nothing to do with your self-respect. Their judgements (and yours as well) distance you from your Source, and therefore away from your power of intention. As my friend and colleague Gerald Jampolsky observed, �When I am able to resist the temptation to judge others, I can see them as teachers of forgiveness in my life, reminding me that I can only have peace of mind when I forgive rather than judge.�
This is how you return to the self in self-respect. Rather than judging those who judge you, thereby lowering your self-respect, you send them a silent blessing of forgiveness and imagine them doing the same toward you. You�re connecting to intention and guaranteeing that you�ll always respect the divinity that you are. You�ve cleared the path to be able to enjoy the great power that is yours in the field of intention.
-Wayne W. Dyer