Receiving Dignity

Recently, I visited my aging grandmother who is in the care of her children. No longer able to provide for herself or tend to her own daily needs, she is dependent on the care of others. From her meals to her personal care she has relinquished her privacy in all areas, 24 hours a day.

And yet, she retains her dignity. Or, perhaps, dignity is given to her by those caring for her. Yes, it is both.

Now here's a twist: My grandmother had 13 children and the ones caring for her all treat her with respect and dignity. Some even travel across the continent or around the globe to take their turn 'sitting' with her.

It takes the willing cooperation of all parties to sustain dignity is this case.

And that is the message of this story: You must be willing to receive dignity and others should be willing to offer you dignity. My grandmother does not have much choice in her situation and is blessed to be surrounded by children and grandchildren who offer her respect and dignity. But, probably you do have some choices regarding who you allow to influence your state of dignity.

If you have people in your life who compromise you sense of dignity, then perhaps you should evaluate allowing those people the influence you have granted to them. In the same way that you receive dignity from others, you can also receive shame from others.

This is a choice you often make without considering the power of your choice to change the situation for something better.

Choose to receive dignity.

Michelle