Hard fought and hard won

We all expect it

We all demand it

But do we give it

Respect comes in many forms

Is displayed in many ways

You demand and expect it

But have you earned it

You earn it by your words and deeds

By giving even without receiving

You cannot lead without respect

Oftentimes you have to earn it before people truly listen

But once you have it

It means the world

People treat you different when you have their respect

They listen to your words

With an attentiveness that wasn’t there before

They’ll do things you say or ask more easily

Respect is a golden commodity

That costs nothing

But is great in value at the same time

Who or what do you respect

Do you give it freely or do you charge