Aloha Leon, your post affirms the risks taken to live authentically - one step, steps, leaps at a time - builds an internal power others FEEL. When others sense your power there's two common paths most take.

For those who've done any amount of interpersonal work - when they meet you, they respect you.

For those who see doing any sort of personal, spiritual growth as being weak? Feminine? They lack respect for you. Why? You have what they want - respect.

I'm relieved you're expanding your awareness of how kindness creates symbiotic (versus parasitic) relationships. May your journey with kindness and grace offer ample rewards.

Those who use unkind / violent ways to earn respect? Parasites in the form of hate, toxic machismo - etc. - all share a common outcome.

That outcome? A much shorter, painful life.