Humble and Lovable

"Humility is intelligent self-respect which keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves." Ralph W. Sockman

When not saving the world as Underdog, he lives a simple life as Shoe Shine Boy. His customer pays him and says, "Thank you, Shoe Shine Boy. You're humble and lovable." Shoe Shine Boy replies, "Bless you, Sir." That man with the freshly shined shoes has no idea he just had his shoes shined by Underdog!

Every religion or life philosophy I can think of has humility as a gateway to enlightenment. Those who refuse to walk the path of humility will never be truly great. Every successful person I have known personally has been humble. They know who they are. They have self-respect, with no need to boast or brag, but no compulsion to put themselves down either. Sometimes we confuse humility with humiliation.

The things we as a society value and devalue say a lot about us. Now there are those of us who would not lower ourselves to shine shoes, wash dishes or collect garbage for a living. Too humiliating and certainly beneath us. There is nothing inherently humiliating about those kinds of jobs. It's just simple, honest work for a wage. It might also be an important stop on the way to enlightenment, but in our false pride, we refuse it, and to our own detriment. Humiliation is when we hand over our dignity and self-respect. It is entirely possible to shine shoes and have our dignity and self-respect completely intact.

Isn't that what some people do in exchange for the almighty dollar or social standing? If we have a prestigious career, live in an exclusive neighborhood and drive the latest car, but sell our souls by lying, cheating and stepping on anyone who gets in our path, now that sounds like real humiliation to me.

Susan

The voice of Underdog and Shoe Shine Boy done by Wally Cox.

What Goes Down, Must Go Up

"Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility." Saint Augustine

All great people have some things in common. The truly great person is self-aware. He is humble, meaning that he knows where his talents lie and he also knows his limitations. He seeks out help and advice when needed. He is a leader, but he has no problem following the right people. He doesn't surround himself with bobbleheads who will always nod in agreement. The great person has no problem being challenged. He avoids tunnel vision by welcoming the perspective and opinions of others. He has no problem rolling up his sleeves and doing the dirty work, but he also knows how to delegate. He assembles a group of the brightest and the best, but avoids micromanaging them. He can do this because he's not at all intimidated by other great people.

I once worked for a woman who was great. She was the first one in the office in the morning, and the last one to leave at night. She modeled hard work and dedication. I trusted her because she knew the workings of our department inside and out, and I respected her because of her work ethic. I gave her 110% percent every day because her leadership inspired me to be the best possible follower.

Great people make great things happen. Once a dream begins to unfold, it often brings with it an opportunity to show humility. It's not humiliation; there is a difference. The truly great person is willing to make sacrifices to see her dream realized. She has no problem living simply, doing without some luxuries, waiting tables or sweeping floors. No illusions of grandeur occupy her mind, because she has a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed. She is determined and will not be denied. The dream is such a part of the fabric of her being that she is more than willing to pay her dues. When she reaches the top, she will always acknowledge the other folks who helped her get there, and will be thankful for the lucky breaks she got along the way.

Some people have a false pride that inhibits them from doing what it takes to build that tower that will pierce the sky. They won't lower themselves to grubby tasks. It's just too humiliating. These people are not great. They miss the entire point of greatness, which is simply this. To go up, you must first go down.

Susan

Perfect Humility

"Do not walk in front of me; I may not follow. Do not walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend." Albert Camus

At different times in my life I have been the youngest "girl" in the office, the oldest employee, the wife of a successful businessman, a teenage fast food worker, a middle aged fast food worker, "just" the receptionist, the owner of the business, a homeowner and a boarder in someone else's home. Sometimes I've been treated differently depending on where I was in life. I've been kissed up to and kissed off. I've been looked down upon and looked up to.

Humility is the realization that all of us have equal value. Believing you are no better and no worse than anyone else. Accepting praise graciously, and not being stingy with genuine compliments to others. Assessing your weaknesses without beating yourself up, and using your strengths and talents as gifts to the world. Looking folks in the eye, walking through life with your shoulders back and head up, knowing you have just as much right to be here as the next guy. Apologizing when you're hurt someone, being quick to admit it when you make a mistake. Appreciating where you're been and being confident in where you're going. Acknowledging the people who have helped you succeed. Standing up for the underdog and sticking up for yourself. Carrying yourself with grace and dignity, and affording others the dignity they, too, deserve.

We are all in this together, are we not? Let's walk together in true humility, as friends.

Susan