Tag Archives: Humility

The best prayer is Thank You

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“‘Thank you‘ is the best prayer that anyone could say.  I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.”
~ Alice Walker 

As we begin the week of  Thanksgiving in America, it is important to remember, respect and show compassion to all those who do not have the luxury of a warm meal, a place they call home, or the safety net of a regular income stream. It’s a time to remember to be grateful for the blessings that we have. In many instances, what we take for granted are often luxuries to the less fortunate. 

It’s a time to reflect and think about how you could make a difference, a dent in this insidious epidemic that is Hunger.

Check out the Humanitarian Efforts page of my blog if you are interested in learning more about how you can help fight hunger in your community. And see what wonderful work is being done by three well-respected hunger relief organizations in the United States, Canada and around the world.

Gratitude (a prerequisite for happiness)

I, for one, bow my head in thanks for the sweetness and light of my family, friends and my beloved “children” (my pets). 

Humility (not always palatable for many)

There are those who are, by nature, humble. Then there are others who have learned how to be humble. I fall into this latter category.

I guess we are all a ‘Work in Progress’ …  

Thank you for stopping by.

 

Image via landypf.blogspot.com.

heatherfromthegrove’s New Year’s Revelation No 6 of 7: Be the architect of your own destiny

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“New Year – a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story ?  Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.” 
― Alex Morritt, Impromptu Scribe

I will keep this post brief.  The choices we make, whether proactive or reactive, set a chain of reactions and events in motion. How we act (or don’t act) and what we say (or don’t say) will  play a pivotal role in how we engage with others and in what we hope to achieve in life. Sometimes we find excuses for our own inertia or our bad choices. We play the blame game: “It’s his/her fault that this happened, not mine.”  In some instances, this is correct. But they’re the exception, rather than the rule.

Let’s face it, there are times that bad things happen. And it’s no one’s fault. But it’s how we handle  the hard times, the tragedies and disasters that determines our forward path.  The person who deals with hardship with humility, integrity and grace is the person who will likely also use every life experience – be it good or bad – as a lesson to learn from. True wisdom is hard-earned.  

So let 2017 be the year we, each of us, write our own life story. Let’s hold ourselves accountable for our actions and our words. 

Let the first chapter begin.

“Your life will be no better than the plans you make and the action you take. You are the architect and builder of your own life, fortune, and destiny.”
– Alfred A. Montapert

heatherfromthegrove’s Seven New Year’s Revelations Wrap-up… and on to new beginnings

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As I say each year, on this day, the 8th of January:

 “For those of you who have been following, reading and enjoying each of my seven New Year revelations …. Thank You.

I would like to point out that they are not New Year Resolutions. I don’t make New Year Resolutions anymore. They are my own personal revelations. Epiphanies. Discoveries. In the past decade, I’ve faced some daunting challenges and heart-wrenching events. I’d like to think that I’ve handled them with dignity, compassion, grace, and humor. Always humor. It helps take the edge off.

So, the lessons that these “life tests” have taught me are my “revelations.” As I move forward with my life, I will use them as my guide. Wisdom has to be earned. For me, it’s an ongoing journey, as I’m sure it is for all of you, as well.”

Here’s a synopsis (the numbers have a hyperlink back to each revelation post):

New Year’s Revelation No. 1:  Today is Tomorrow

New Year’s Revelation No. 2:  Humility is attractive, and Arrogance… not so much

New Year’s Revelation No. 3:  Stand by what you say and what you do

New Year’s Revelation No. 4:  Be comfortable in your own skin

New Year’s Revelation No. 5:  Freedom from Fear

New Year’s Revelation No. 6:  Respect Human Dignity… through Kindness

New Year’s Revelation No. 7:  Love Thy Neighbor, it’s that simple

And on it goes.

I’m looking forward to whatever 2014 has in store for me.  

I wish you all a blessed, healthy and happy  2014 and may your own personal journey bring you deep fulfillment and wisdom… and loads of wonderful opportunity and adventures!

Cheers,

heatherfromthegrove

New Year’s Revelation No. 2 of 7: Humility is attractive, and Arrogance… not so much

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“Be careful not to mistake insecurity and inadequacy for humility! Humility has nothing to do with the insecure and inadequate! Just like arrogance has nothing to do with greatness!” 
― C. JoyBell C.

 

The very humble among us do not advertise that they are humble.  Their innate humility precludes them from doing so.  All too often, humility is mistaken for low self-esteem.  People who are, by nature, humble… possess the instinctive wisdom to recognize that they are but a small microcosm  of a very big world. They go about their lives, quietly doing their part to contribute to this planet, to make a difference. The thing is, they are not in the least interested in receiving praise  or accolades for their efforts and accomplishments. Theirs is a quiet power ― filled with purpose, not vanity or ego.  Theirs is a simple creed: Observe. Listen. Above all, learn.

As history will attest, these are the people who don’t aspire to greatness. Many of them simply are. Aside from the obvious biblical reference, one figure immediately comes to mind:  Mahatma Gandhi.

By contrast, the arrogant who strut among us believe that the sun rises and sets on their very existence. They want to be heard, but don’t care to listen. They do not seek more knowledge because they believe they know it all. They have all the answers. Their own hubris makes them deaf and blind.  

As history will attest, these are the people who are felled by their own arrogance. And when they fall, they fall hard. There are many historical figures and world leaders who come to mind, more recently: Richard Nixon.

Yes, there are those who are, by nature, humble. Then there are others who have learned how to be humble, through hard lessons and life experiences. 

Personally, I fall into the latter category – learned humility. That said, I am ashamed to admit that I have had my share of arrogant moments, in the course of my life.  It’s a work in progress. 

I guess we are all a Work in Progress…

Cheers,

heatherfromthegrove

“I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps.” 

― Mahatma Gandhi (born: 1869-10-02 died: 1948-01-30 at age: 78)