Talking Tuesday: Four Thoughts on Humility

A college chum wrote the following on his facebook page last week.  I thought it quite helpful, and asked permission to reprint here, which he granted.

"Four Thoughts on Humility

1. Humility isn't thinking less of yourself. Everyone—including you—deserves to be treated with kindness.
Humility is letting go of the illusion that putting your best *self* forward is more important than being fully present. Refinement is important; authenticity is vital.


2. Humility isn't thinking of yourself less. By all means, notice *how* you do (or don't do) what you intend. To improve outcomes, it's necessary to attend to process.
Humility is letting go of the illusion that defending your "self" from accusations is more important than defending the opportunity for everyone—including you, and including any accusers—to learn and grow. Improving process takes time. That's life.

3. Humility isn't thinking so little of what you can offer that you stop offering. The world needs kindhearted listeners: can you listen, without judging? The world needs workers: can you lend a hand? What brings you and others joy, when you share it? Can you share more of that?
Humility is recognizing that your offering doesn't have to be the best… or even all that good. If you practice giving, what and how you give will likely improve—but even now, even if you're on a gurney, with a simple smile you can give something worthwhile.

4. Humility isn't thinking less of the organizations you're a part of, even if they make a difference in only a few lives. Every life, including yours, is important.
Humility is recognizing your own smallness, in the big scheme of things. In the *really* big scheme of things, we're *all* small. And yet, we're alive!

Together, can we make this life a good one? You and I can each, wherever we are, with those we're around, co-create conditions for celebration. (We can C-C-C-C.) And along the way, humbly—in all the glory of our smallness—we can celebrate!"

~Matthew McNatt, posted to personal Facebook page, January 20, 2016