What Humbles Us Can Teach Us

By: Shunte Gamble | November 11, 2021

What humbles us carries the potential to teach us. As I reflect on the things I am grateful for, I cannot fail to include the lessons that humbled me. It is easy for us to set relationship goals, career goals, even self-care goals, but what about practicing humility as a goal?

I love the following quote. “For many of us, humility is one of the hardest traits to develop; because it has to start from a recognition that you are not always right and that you do not have all the answers. It also requires an acceptance of yourself which many of us find challenging.”

Whew! I talk a lot about being 100% transparent with ourselves on my podcast, Let’s Talk Life XL, with my guests. The verdict is always the same. We all concur this is a necessary component of self-discovery, self-acceptance, interpersonal growth, and overall change.

It took many failures to realize there usually are multiple ways to accomplish a goal. When I trust the leading for my journey, I can have a larger perspective of life. I find the time, in-between, is much more satisfying. There are more intangible rewards like joy, self-love, self- grace, and peace. I can receive new opportunities, clarity, and support because I am not clutching my way so tightly.

An open hand is better than a closed fist. Think about it. How can you receive if you’re not in the act of receiving?

Ways to Practice Humility

1. Practice gratitude.

 When you find yourself feeling bummed or frustrated, try writing a list of ten people or things you’re grateful for having in your life. Then invite the positive emotions/feelings each brings. Write those feelings or thoughts down along with why you’re grateful for them.  

2. Avoid comparison.

Comparison is the number one thief of joy, peace, contentment, love, and the list goes on. Focus on your gratitude list. If you feel you’re lacking in a particular area of your life, set specific goals to heal or grow in that area. For instance, if you feel like everyone around you is getting married or in healthy relationships, make a goal to enjoy your time as a single, meet new people, or partake in things you love to do. If you feel overlooked or unseen, make a goal to practice boldness or to practice self-encouragement (I like affirmations). Remember, you are one-of-a-kind. Your journey is designed specifically for you, the people you will impact, and the experiences you need. 

3. Practice vulnerability with yourself and others. 

The only way to is through. If we want to make progress and see external change, we have to start inward. When we are honest about where we are emotionally, mentally, or physically, we can take the steps toward personal development. This-takes-time. This-may-hurt. Practicing vulnerability may also require outsourced support, such as counseling. Either way, this is a sure path to the best version of you.

4. Lean into the power of constructive feedback.

 I like to describe constructive feedback as feedback that builds you up (like the construction of a building) and does not tear you down (like the demolishing of a building). Constructive feedback carries the power to better us in specific areas of our lives. When we are open to suggestions for improvement, we open ourselves to the opportunity to widen our perspective and apply new strategies to experience better or different outcomes. Remember, feedback should empower you to be your best self. 

5. Know that being humble doesn’t make you weak.

A huge misconception is that minimizing ourselves is the way to express humbleness or humility. So not true. The fact is, the opposite is true. When we practice humility, we glow. If you’ve ever turned on a light in a dark room, then you know the power of light. When we glow, we shine. When we shine, we light up rooms we walk in. When we surround ourselves with others who are also glowing, we become a larger beacon of light.  In essence, we emit positive energy that can empower and inspire those we meet along our journey.  

P.S. Be the light this world needs. Shine!
With Love,
Sg

Quote Source https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/humility.html