HOW HUMILITY, KINDNESS, LOVE, AND BEING HUMBLE CAN IMPROVE OUR LIVES!

by Mary Frances Hansen

I grew up in the 50's when life was so different than it is now. My heart is so heavy, and it grieves me to see all the suffering and hatred that has infiltrated into the lives of so many people young and old. I personally feel because of so much modern technology and social media, it has changed the way people treat each other. This is one of the reasons I felt in my heart I needed to write this article. What has happen to our social skills, our love and empathy for one another? We need to practice humility, become more humble, be more grateful, treat people with more love and respect. Everyone has a chance to make a difference in someone's life.

Humility – Freedom from pride and arrogance , the quality of state of being humble. (Webster's Dictionary) Humility will help people improve their relationships with others and will be less self involved. They will be more in tune with the needs and feeling of others. Humility helps reduce pride, arrogance and entitlement and they will become more grateful. When a person is full of pride it can make them look artificial. Humility can make them real! I love the quote by Jesse Jackson, “Never look down on anybody unless you are helping them up.” We are to encourage one another and not tear each other down. We are to be kind and make people feel important.

Humility, love, kindness, and being grateful when practiced together will foster strong relationships, promote empathy, which will be more fulfilling, and lead to more of a positive life. Kindness and love involve being thoughtful, considerate, and willing to help others. When we are helping another person we don't have time to think about ourselves and our problems. It also brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Kindness, showing love, and being grateful, will create a ripple effect inspiring others to be kind. When a person says, “Thank You,” it expresses extreme gratitude, kindness, humility, and understanding. Mother Teresa once said, “Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity, and obedience. It is in being humble that our love becomes real, and devoted.”

Humility leads to happiness because it makes you teachable. People with humility are usually very optimistic and never stop learning or growing. When people stops growing, they can become negative and miserable. We were put here on this earth to grow. One way to practice humility is the art of listening to people and not talking so much about ourselves. Listening to others gives them a chance to express what is in their hearts and it makes them feel like you really care about what they have to say.

Interesting information on Humility. (These are all copied) Biblical Perspective... In the Bible Humility as a virtue, often associated with meekness, obedience, and a heart that is not puffed up with pride! Islamic Perspective...In Islam, Humility (Tawadhu) is considered a virtue, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's dependence on Allah and avoiding arrogance. Hindu Perspective...In Hinduism, Humility is characterized by modesty and respect essentially for growth and surrender to the divine.

Humble –Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance. (Webster's Dictionary) When people are humble, they do not think of themselves as being better than others, are modest, and do not boast about their accomplishments. Instead, people will acknowledge their limitations and appreciation for others. Most individuals who are humble will be better learners and problem solvers acknowledging their mistakes and limitations. They will try to make the world a better place without wanting to always take credit. They don't expect to be given things on a silver platter because they believe good things will happen to them if they work hard enough!

Here are 10 signs that people are humble: They acknowledge their mistakes, are open to feedback, appreciate and have a love for others, are not boastful, are patient, seek help when needed, have a good sense of self, are not easily angered, very grateful, and are willing to learn from others. A great quote by Gordon B. Hinckley, An American religious leader and author, “Being humble means that we are not on this earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others!” I feel we are to help one another the best we can. Praising people and giving them compliments not only makes them feel good, but it brings much joy to our hearts as well. A beautiful scripture from the Bible, Colossians 3:12, “Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience.” To all my readers.....May your life be filled with lots of love, good health, blessings, kindness, strength, compassion, and good friendships!

Stay Strong, Stay Safe, and Keep the Faith!