“Humility is the ability to give up your pride and still retain your dignity.”  ~ Vanna Botta

Humility is a funny thing. In fact, my first boss used to tell me that he won a medal for his humility, but it was taken away when he began to wear it.

Humility is the act of being modest, reverential, even politely submissive.  It is the opposite of aggression, arrogance, pride, and vanity.  And on the surface, it appears to empty its holder of all power.

But on the contrary, it grants enormous power to its owner.

Humility offers its owner complete freedom from the desire to impress, be right, or get ahead. Frustrations and losses have less impact on a humble ego and a humble person confidently receives opportunity to grow, improve, and reject society‘s labels.  A humble life results in contentment, patience, forgiveness, and compassion.

Humility understands individual limitations.  Humans, by definition, are finite and limited in understanding.  Our talents are different, our minds are different and our experiences vary from one another.  Individually, we comprehend only a small, unique fraction of the world.  But together, we arrive at a far, grander view of life.  Humble people realize their understanding is limited and embrace it.  As a result, they wisely look for answers outside of themselves.

Humility appreciates others as all human life carries inherent value.  Our souls hold no more value or importance than the person sitting next to us, no matter where we may be sitting.  A humble person appreciates the fact that the world does not revolve around him or her, accepting their position as just a tiny piece in the giant puzzle.

Humility respects others and their opinions.  Just because an opinion is different doesn’t mean it is wrong.  Humility listens more and speaks less.  It spends more time understanding… and less time being understood.

Humility helps and promotes others.  Joy is not found in being right and arriving at the top. Instead, joy is found in helping others grow and succeed.  Humility realizes that in those cases, both win.

Humility always begins in our heart.  As a result, it offers significant control over attitude, outlook, and actions.  It has nothing to prove, but everything to offer.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself…it’s thinking of yourself less. 

Pride builds walls between people…but humility builds bridges.