Fear & Respect

When I think of the people I know that I have incredible respect for; those whom are world renowned or neighborhood famous, there is one common factor. These are people of good character that I love and learn from.

So in my day to day experience, I’m reminded of these role models and mentors is my life, and from time to time when I’m in doubt, I think to myself, “what would ____ do?” We don’t have all the answers, and I strongly believe that it’s important to surround myself with people that live a lifestyle I could see myself living. Not through an envious lens, but through a growth and personal wellness lens.

Most of the people in my inner circle have “more” than I do in the physical realm. And they’re entrepreneurs and leaders; I can see myself in them, and I like what I see. And friendship is one of life’s greatest bonds that I take seriously. It takes time to build relationships, and I honor my friend’s time as they honor mine. I intentionally do things that will build more trust and confidence- perhaps it comes from a blend of respect and fear. The respect I have for my friends as people, and the fear of losing that friendship because of a lack of integrity.

This makes me think of religious groups leading with the “fear of God,” and now most of us are so afraid of God that we haven’t built an authentic relationship with God. There’s no respect in fear, only fear.

I hope you have one person in your life that you can see yourself in. ALIGN & RISE

© Cole Williams