Humility.

Today I’m thinking a lot about being humble. Sometimes I feel like I only consider my humility when a great humbling experience has caused me to evaluate my place in the universe. When I got a promotion at work, when I first met my “little sister,” when I was named student marshal at college graduation—these moments all caused me to think about how fortunate I am and how lucky I am to be guided to these situations, and I am humbled. But most days I’m not thinking about that. Most days I’m trying to appear like an experienced employee with knowledge and the ability to cope with difficult customer situations. Most days I’m struggling to maintain an even composure and not get too stressed out. Most days I’m thinking about how difficult life can be and dwelling on everything that isn’t perfect in my life.

But what I should be focused on is a big dose of human humility. We all should. I am a fortunate person. I have a job that gives me the opportunity to prove my 24-year-old self every day (some days in more difficult ways than others). I have an amazing boyfriend who considers me and loves me. Every day I am humbled by M’s ability to be honest and give me a reality check even when I don’t want one, but I don’t frequently acknowledge this. I have a big loving family, and in particular, a relationship with an amazing mother that’s growing stronger as we get older. She’s exactly the type of mother I hope I can be. She’s even-keeled, strong-willed, hard working and has raised my brother and I to be the people we are today. I am humbled by her.

All of these beautiful things remind me of my place in the universe. I am a very small piece of something much, much bigger. My thoughts and actions make waves, but the ocean is large. Humility reminds me of a poem one of my very dearest friends adores:

You are a child of the universe.

No less than the trees and the stars;

You have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

Whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

In the noisy confusion of life,

Keep peace in your soul.

       

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,

It is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

For while, I thought this poem was about happiness. I still think it is, but now I also think it’s about remembering who we are and where we came from. It’s about looking up instead of looking down at ourselves. It’s a call to remind us to be joyful and thankful and prayerful and humble.

This week, I’m aiming to remember to wear my humility on my sleeve—to allow myself to show weakness and gratefulness and appreciation for what’s going on around me. It’s a big world.

To this beautiful world,

Lia