Humble pie is the pastry that’s never tasty. I don’t know where I heard that but I like it. The word humility has its roots in the Greek word, humus. Humus is the soil that is 6 to 9 inches below the surface. Typically this soil is nutrient rich and extremely fertile. That’s why when a farmer goes to plough his fields, the blades on the plow will dig 6-9 inches deep and turn the soil. This way, the most fertile soil is now on the top ready for planting, fertilizing and optimal growth.  

Personal humility seems to operate the same way. When we’re in a state of not having all the answers, not feeling completely confident or if we are full of ourselves, it seems we are then most primed to grow. Sometimes we do things in life that bring about a humbling experience. Sometimes circumstances conspire together and turn our world upside down. Whether self-inflicted, or a consequence of circumstance, know this; coming to the end of yourself can be the best place to be.  

I’ve been on both sides of this equation. Today, my mindset is to try to put myself into a state of humility so that I’m constantly learning, questioning and growing. I must admit, humility has never been a natural state for me. But as I like to say, be humble or get humbled because that’s the only way to truly grow.

It’s a good life! 

Brian