June 28

HUMILITY MONTH: DAY 28: “The best ways to cultivate humility is by practicing trickle up gratitude. What’s that? You ask. It is when someone thanks you for a job well done, and then you thank God for the opportunity to do what you do.”― Charles F. Glassman

This is a great idea, only it can be taken to another level. I used to thank my co-workers regularly for their part in the successful completion of a project. Most of them were not involved in that project, but I know that if I am honest, their presence in doing their jobs allows me the freedom to do mine with greater success.

Even those co-workers or bosses who are not my favorite people are great teachers. Whatever about them that I may dislike or avoid, I know it is probably another mirror for me to see into. Even those who lie or gossip about me and my work will teach me to stand up stronger and straighter than I did before I knew them. I don’t need to relate ANY of this to any of them, but I know that they are making me a stronger and more determined woman every day. I thank them for that. And I remember to thank them in person, in front of others because that is the exact opposite of what I want to do.

This also goes for people in my personal world who either help me (as I see it) or don’t, even though I do recognize how much uncomfortable relationships serve me. I thank my difficult neighbors for the stretching of my own personal boundaries and understanding of how I work with them. Finding new ways to appreciate the gifts of growth I receive from people I would rather just label assholes is an important part of my own growth and development. We are all assholes at some point in life. Best to be appreciative rather than derogatory since there is no personal growth in being derogatory.

Besides, Ego is what is at play here. We are here to smash THAT asshole…haha! So, learning to be humble in these situations and be grateful for ALL our teachers and those who lift us up in obvious ways, or those who try to keep us down; but actually allow us to rise even higher when we practice this spiritual principle, is the great key to this step and a happier life.

As my lovely old granny used to say (and it is SO true!)…”Living well is the best revenge”…and the best way to be happy that I have ever found. Takes a lot of practice for me, but then I know I can be a super asshole!