Sense and meaning of dignity

Dignity is a word, label we often can read, hear and see in so many quotes, news and in various context. When we are young, we are taught that dignity is something that we should look after and develop.

The German Basic Law codify that the human dignity is inviolate and may not be balanced against any other right or value. Any violation of human dignity is unconstitutional - that is what our German and many other laws tell us.
Even if it is necessary to have a public spirit and social understanding in order not to violate the limits of dignity. I see dignity as one of the most personal and unique values which a person has and everyone can only define for themselves.

Dignity is so much more than how someone appears, or how others see one.
On the one hand dignity is as simple as it is and on the other hand at the same time so much complicated - I see dignity as the sum of the positive thoughts and the personal environment, and what develops and does in ourselves. Aspects like ...

• Self-appreciation
• Self-belief
• Self-care
• Self-confidence
• Self-esteem
• Self-love
• Self-perception
• Sense of self-worth

... all these aspects and I am a few aspects requires, includes, and is defining dignity. I ordered these seven aspect not coincidental in an alphabetical listing - I did it because I can not see any order - or in other words they are are all aspects of oneself.

I don't think it's surprising that in any aspect of dignity, includes the word "self" is somehow the central element. Because dignity can only come from "yourself"" / "oneself". No matter how much appreciation or love someone else gives us, there will never be a solid foundation for our dignity if we do not value, care for and trust ourselves.
And when the aspects of your own appreciation, care and trust subside or even fade - it comes to the thought of 'how can I change it' or 'how can other people or services can help' to come back to the own values, or keep even some or in worst case it might be that some one thinks about the last dignified step - dignified dying.


Dignity is something that does not show up and disappear overnight. 

As dignity is loving and appreciating yourself just as much as you love and appreciate others, your most important persons in your life - it is lifelong process and often changing change of feelings. It is the ability challenge the negative voices that come from within us and outside of us. Dignity has to be permanently and. repetitively replenished with new motivation and self-appreciation and estimation.

I firmly believe that perhaps nothing is more unique than dignity - dignity is something that looks different on each of us. When you found yourself - found and defined YOUR dignity - whatever will happen in the future it will not shake you or will not shake you that hard. True dignity is a strong foundation as a building has it as well - a foundation you can stand on every day in your life. Real dignity cannot be taken away from you no matter what happens.

 

Final note ...

Sometimes we need help when building or working or even rebuilding your sense of dignity. If that is the case for you, please don't be shy to look for help and to speak to a friend or professional help.

And a quote I very much ...

“Dignity is as essential to human life as water, food, and oxygen. The stubborn retention of it, even in the face of extreme physical hardship, can hold a man's soul in his body long past the point at which the body should have surrendered it.”

Laura Hillenbrand - she is an American author of books and magazine articles.