Humility week gets started!

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HUMILITY - The quality or condition of being humble; imitate Jesus and Socrates.

"Humble Gift" by Marielliot

Last Humility week I was on vacation in Hawaii. It provided an interesting backdrop for the week. One of my Bliss Initiatives to support my inquiry into Humility was Practice Being Humble - I will do my best to stop comparing myself to other people. Not comparing yourself to other people while wearing a bathing suit is really really hard! 


I really failed miserably at the task. My daughter, on the other hand had an amazing knack for the topic. She was and is always all inclusive and does not discriminate in any way. I can only hope my example doesn't badly tarnish her refreshing world view.


If you haven't been following my blog long you may not know that I was inspired to add humility to my list because of Ben Franklin's inclusion of it on his own virtue list.  Here is what he said about it:


From Ben Franklin's autobiography: "My list of virtues contain'd at first but twelve; but a Quaker friend having kindly informed me that I was generally thought proud; that my pride show'd itself frequently in conversation; that I was not content with being in the right when discussing any point, but was overbearing, and rather insolent, of which he convinc'd me by mentioning several instances; I determined endeavouring to cure myself, if I could, of this vice or folly among the rest, and I added Humility to my list, giving an extensive meaning to the word. "


I think the fact that this was Ben's virtue first has kept me from owning it entirely for myself. In my heart, I have a belief that humility can lead to more bliss but it feels like something regular gals like myself can never attain. Case in point, just about anytime humility is brought up in a contemporary context Mother Theresa is held up as a shining example. Who can compete with that? Oh, yeah, humility isn't about competition. You can see why I am having trouble! 


Nevertheless I'm ready to give it a go again. This week's "Bliss Initiatives" are color coded in purple for quick identification. They are specific things that you too can try, if you want to play along with me. However, because as Earl Nightingale says, "you become what you think about," even if you only follow along, and never take on any of the bliss initiatives, I expect some positive results. I will be exploring and encouraging HUMILITY this way:

• Study Humility - I will take my usual trip around the ether and see what inspiring things I can find about humility and I'll share what I find here. I will research the lives of both Jesus and Socrates. If you are playing along take your own tour and please share your insights on the Everyday Bliss Facebook page or on the blog in the comments.

• Practice Kindness Anonymously - Each day, make a point of doing something kind, without taking any credit. This can be in the form of an anonymous donation to a charity or a kind deed.

• Give Up Trying to Change Other People - If your husband leaves the cap off the toothpaste just put it on without berating him. If your mom insists on bringing food even when you asked her not to, say thank you and resist the urge to complain. Pass over the mistakes of others and accept being slighted, forgotten, and disliked.  Let's give up trying to force our will upon others (even when we know it would be good for them!)

• Second Guess Yourself (this great idea is from Be Inspired Everyday) - Today, second guess something that you believe you know to be true. Ask what other people believe about that idea. Then, ask God for clarification and take time to silently meditate on that belief. You may find that you will gain a new and refreshing view or you may further solidify your belief. Either way, wisdom and humility will be gained.

Next Post: In my humble opinion

My 13 bliss virtues: joy, order, creativity, passion, whimsy, serenity, inquiry, community, romance, gratitude, moxie, humility, surprise