Last week, we talked about respecting everyone—including ourselves. And part of respecting ourselves is paying attention to what we're allowing into our lives. Because whether we realize it or not, the things around us have a way of affecting what's happening inside us.

You know what I'm talking about.
Everything's fine.
You're having a good day.
Then you open Facebook or Instagram, see one post, and suddenly...
You're irritated.
Or worried.
Or comparing yourself to somebody.
Or hungry.
I mean, you weren't even thinking about food five minutes ago. Then somebody posts a picture of what they're eating, and now you're trying to figure out where you're going for lunch.
It happens that fast.
And I think it's worth paying attention to.

Last week, we talked about staying consistent - about showing up again and again, even when nobody is applauding, and you're not sure you're making a difference. But there's something else I've learned about showing up for people.
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You can't completely forget about yourself while you're doing it.

One of our core values here at Mercy Drops is Respect Everyone.
Everyone.
That's important.
Because when I say "respect everyone," most of us immediately start thinking about other people.
Our family.
Our friends.
Our neighbors.
The person who's struggling.
The person who's been forgotten.
The person standing right in front of us.
And yes. Absolutely.
Respect them.
But there's somebody else who belongs on that list.
You.