Over the past few months I’ve been addressing several of the virtues of a Princess, kindness, grace, honour and duty. Today I would like to explore a virtue that is more misunderstood, but equally as valuable as all of these; Humility.
Unfortunately in modern times we’ve developed some false connotations for this word; blind obedience, self abasement, shyness, not standing up for ourselves or taking credit for our success. In a highly individualised, competitive world where we must promote ourselves constantly to get jobs, be popular and succeed in many areas, the old fashioned notion of humility seems to only hold one back.
However, the secret of Humility is that the more successful, the more recognized and loved you are, the harder it is to maintain and when one does meet an admirable person with this virtue, it is beautiful beyond measure.
Humility is not putting yourself down or lacking pride, it is not excessive modesty or submissiveness. Rather, we achieve Humility when we completely conquer the Ego. When we do not see ourselves as superior to any other human being. When we are fully grateful for everything we have achieved and those who have helped us along the way. It’s when we stop pushing others down so that we might step up and instead support eachother arm in arm. It is not at all an easy state to achieve.
To be Humble we must acknowledge that we are wrong sometimes. Accept feedback and criticism from others with grace and gratefulness, trying our best to learn from our mistakes rather than ignoring any suggestions or correction that we don’t want to hear. Rather we must learn to accept help and advice with gratitude. We must also take full responsibility for our failures, errors and the consequences of these and not turn the blame on others.
A large part of Humility is forgiveness. When we learn to forgive those who have wronged us and also to apologise to those we have wronged we step off our soapbox and learn that it is not our role to judge others. We must also endure unfair treatment with patience and grace, knowing that the world is not always fair but we can do our best to be so.
A humble Princess can be happy for others, can rejoice in their successes and achievements without feeling that she is any less because of them. With this we must try to only think and speak good things about others, celebrating their strengths rather than complaining about their flaws.
Gratefulness is another key element to humility. To not merely be successful and happy and beautiful, but greatful for every blessing we are given and every reward we work for. Also to be thankful to everyone who helps us along the way, no matter how small or great their aid may be, even having those that support and believe in you is immensely fortunate. Give credit where it is due and show gratitude.
A Princess is never above helping others. In fact she should look for opportunities to be of service and assistance to friends, family and strangers. However, to do so humbly is to not shout it from the rooftops, but rather do good deeds without any recognition or reward, to even remain anonymous in this charity.
Perhaps the truest measure of Humilty is in the way we treat others, with respect, kindess and compassion regardless of their age, gender, race or social status. A Princess is kindest to those who have nothing to offer her and will listen with as much attention to a child as to a King.
I say again, that these are not easy things to achieve, they are high goals to try and reach for, and I too fail to get there sometimes. Of all the beautiful people I have met though, those that are humble in their greatness are by far the most admirable. It takes a pure heart to soar high and still keep one’s feet on the ground.
