HUMILITY & RECOVERY

Humility – a reality check!

We hear the words “empowerment” and “assertiveness” so often these days that humility or humbleness can be forgotten or considered a weakness.

The word “humility” means many different things to different people.  To me, it means knowing my own strengths while understanding and admitting to my own weaknesses.  It has become a vital part of my own personal recovery process.  Yes, I can be assertive to get my needs met (provided those needs are healthy) but at the same time, humility demands that I be respectful and honest with myself and other people.

My sobriety cannot afford to allow arrogance or an over-inflated ego to stand in the way.  These were my defense mechanisms when I was actively drinking and have no place in my recovery.

I have learned that with humility, I can admit that I don’t have all the answers and I am no longer afraid to ask questions fearing someone might think me “less than”.   I can accept criticism without taking it as a personal attack.  I am less judgmental and more empathetic and understanding.

Humility is not an easy lesson and it is not always easy to maintain.  I admit I can fall back into old ways of thinking – I struggle at times with the concept of humility.  But when that happens, I remind myself that there is freedom in having humility.  I have much less internal (and external) conflict or stress in my life and what I have gained is what I value most – happiness and serenity.

S.C.