A humble person has a modest and realistic view of themselves. A humble person recognizes they are not superior to others.
I know many people I would describe as humble. It is an admirable quality, even though it is unassuming. It still stands out as an example of a respectful way to live.
I do not know if I would be a humble person if I did not live with a disability. My humbleness is an inescapable trait that I carry. Even if I try to live in a way that is not humble, it is not long before I remember that to survive, I must accept that I will experience humility every day. Multiple times a day.
It is tough to surrender to the body’s demands when it will not allow you to do certain things. Acknowledging my own vulnerabilities is humbling.
Many think of weakness when thinking of a humble person. They see meekness and someone not able to stand up for themselves. Their quietness often misjudged and categorized as lesser-than.
Humility shows strength. Walking the way that I do or wheeling into a public place requires a lot of humility. If you do not believe me, then try it for yourself. I can guarantee that you would be instantly humbled.
Humility is often born from defeat. I choose to see it in a positive light, born from an inner self-knowledge that evolves over time. A person is often shaped by humbling experiences throughout their life.
A humble confidence is not phony. It shows that there has been deep self-reflection and a realization of the importance of self-acceptance.
I have hundreds of examples throughout my life when I have been forced to accept humility.
Each night, as my husband and I wrap up our evening, he faithfully comes to my chair where I sit. I raise my arms up like a child that needs picked up, so he can lift me out of my chair. That is a very humbling thing.
I have often had to ask complete strangers to give me a hand when I have gotten myself into a precarious position while out in public. Sometimes, I have fallen or have tried to carry something too heavy, and I am at a stranger’s mercy. That is extremely humbling.
Thankfully, the world still has countless kind humans.
Holding my head up high when facing public comments about the way I walk is humbling. Hearing things such as …
What the hell was that?
Bless her heart, I could never live like that!
A child asking a parent what is wrong with me, then hearing the parent shush their child.
… all very humbling.
It can be challenging to find confidence after these experiences. The antidote to this is embracing my reality and knowing my truth inside and out. Expecting these things are going to happen seems counterintuitive, but it helps me prepare my mind.
If I can stop measuring myself up to the expectations of the public eye, I am much better off. This is not something that happens overnight. It is something I have had to practice my entire life.
I know the qualities I bring to the table not only help myself, but others as well. We are all built to live like this. We all have strengths to contribute. Focusing on that, more than the fleeting opinion of a stranger, has been pivotal in my self-transformation.
The transformation that took place was realizing that living humbly does not make me weak.
Each time I feel humbled, it serves as a reminder of my inner strength that I have worked so hard to recognize.
The same strength I admire when I see others who live humbly.
Embracing humility while sharing my vulnerabilities has changed my life.
Until next time…
Amy Shinneman is a former National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, disability blogger, freelance writer, wife, and mom of two boys. You can find her blog at humblycourageous.com and reach her on Instagram @ashinneman.