Humility is key to most things in life. There is this proverb in my local language and I will try as much as possible to translate it into English. Hahaha. It goes like this: “The chameleon that is of a gentle/humble nature dies, how much more, a toad that shows off by going up and down.” If you understand Yoruba (my language) I know you can relate. Hahaha.
Humility pays. It speaks more of us being in control and keeping things in check. It speaks more of our character without us having to say much. When you see a humble person, you will know. When you want to know a proud person, you will surely know the things they brag about.
Humility is totally different from low self-esteem. Many people confuse them and it is understandable why they do. As humans, we like looking for ways to cover up for our inadequacies. So, when someone suffering from low self-esteem doesn’t want to admit it, he or she says I am humble. I am sorry, you are not. Being humble doesn’t mean you go into hiding, it only means you know when to talk and what to focus on. Humility is not thinking yourself more than you ought to and low self-esteem is thinking of yourself less than you ought to. You know a humble person sometimes by their level of confidence.
When certain people attain some level of success, then you see their real person. It is always easier at this stage to see how they handle such success, and some people, with just little success, they become cocky and proud. To these people, I have a favorite quote I always use:
“Don’t feel proud or pompous because you have bread. Always remember that someone owns a bakery”.
The true test of a man is when he has the things he needs, only then can you know what he or she would do, or what he or she is capable of doing.
The Queen of Kwate movie I shared a few days ago. There was a point where, when this lady represented the whole of Africa at that time, she felt she was too big for her community. She felt she deserved better (and there is no problem in thinking you deserve better, it is more so in how you do it), she wanted to have what others have since she knows she was better than them. She stopped doing the little things she has been used to, for her mother. It got into her head, but thanks to the coach who stood by her and made her see reasons.
It is okay when success or achievements get to us. That makes us perfectly human, but how much has it changed you? How is the effect on you? How are you handling it? That determines a whole lot and speak more about your character and who you really are.
...to be continued...
Thank you for your time.
My pen doesn’t bleed, it speaks, with speed and ease.
Still me,
My tongue is like the pen of a ready writer.
Olawalium; (Love’s chemical content, in human form). Take a dose today: doctor’s order.