"Don't be so humble, you're not that great" once said Golda Meir, Israeli Prime Minister (at the time) to one of her ministers. As I once blogged in "Finding Fab" false humility is not a pretty site, it is not dignified nor reasonable, really it becomes more of an ego trip by which we try our hardest to glean more praise before we seemingly unwillingly accept appreciation.
Marianne Williamson said "Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you." When you have been blessed with a gift, use it! That's why you have it, to bring something beautiful into this world and be able to stand back and truly see that beauty as it is, a testament to God, humanity, Buddha or whatever you personally believe is the source of your gift.
When you use your gift, or bestow some piece of fabulousness on others, learn how to receive appreciation gracefully, please for heavens sake, save the rest of the embarrassment of witnessing you fuss and grumble pretending that you're not that special. You are special! Each of us is, so just own it already! We all yearn to be recognized and appreciated, yet when we are we don't know what to do with it, except fall into that ego trap and then fall prey to manipulative strokes. Don't let other's "stroke" you, but do let other's show you true appreciation.
As Marshall Rosenberg says "(hear) what we have done that has contributed to other's well-being," and hear the feelings and needs that were fulfilled by that act, then "take into our hearts the joyous reality that we can each enhance the quality of other's lives." Rosenberg goes on to say "receive appreciation without feelings of superiority or false humility."
Recognize that it is the power of God, or again whatever you may believe, that is working through you to give that power of enriching lives and accept appreciation with joy! Be happy with what you have done, be grateful for that opportunity, but do not be proud, do not linger, simply move on to grace the world with your next bigger and better gift.
Marianne Williamson said "Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you." When you have been blessed with a gift, use it! That's why you have it, to bring something beautiful into this world and be able to stand back and truly see that beauty as it is, a testament to God, humanity, Buddha or whatever you personally believe is the source of your gift.
When you use your gift, or bestow some piece of fabulousness on others, learn how to receive appreciation gracefully, please for heavens sake, save the rest of the embarrassment of witnessing you fuss and grumble pretending that you're not that special. You are special! Each of us is, so just own it already! We all yearn to be recognized and appreciated, yet when we are we don't know what to do with it, except fall into that ego trap and then fall prey to manipulative strokes. Don't let other's "stroke" you, but do let other's show you true appreciation.
As Marshall Rosenberg says "(hear) what we have done that has contributed to other's well-being," and hear the feelings and needs that were fulfilled by that act, then "take into our hearts the joyous reality that we can each enhance the quality of other's lives." Rosenberg goes on to say "receive appreciation without feelings of superiority or false humility."
Recognize that it is the power of God, or again whatever you may believe, that is working through you to give that power of enriching lives and accept appreciation with joy! Be happy with what you have done, be grateful for that opportunity, but do not be proud, do not linger, simply move on to grace the world with your next bigger and better gift.
4 comments:
I love this post!
I was googling something, and then got into ur blog... this post came to me on the right moment.. I need it!
I'll read it again till I learn how to appreciate "appreciation".
Thank you :)
I agree! Thank you for this. I googled "Don't be so humble, you're not that great!" and came across your blog. I hope to see some of your others!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mausheimer/8094178293/in/photostream
Mirror finish purple for their robes; gilt for their glitter. This quote from Golda Meir has been one of my favorites for many years.
I googled "Don't be so humble, you're not that great!" and came across your blog.
Your words: "receive appreciation gracefully" were exactly the interpretation that I needed to hear today.
As I read further, I was moved and warmed and inspired by the Marianne Williamson quote and also by your words: "we all yearn to be recognized and appreciated, yet we don't know what to do with it."
Authentic appreciation is so beautiful to receive because it touches the heart and forms a lasting warm and joyful connection.
Then I was so very excited to see you quote Marshall Rosenberg, because I have been a "disciple" of the NVC (aka CNVC) language of life for a few years and the learning and practice of giving and receiving gratitude is most alive for me now.
I feel thrilled that I've found a beautiful, sparkling precious gemstone in the form of this blog post and with an open heart I offer my gratitude for your contribution to my search for meaning. Thank you. (3 deep breaths :)
I'll leave you with a quote from a NVC trainer who meets my needs for respect and has taught me strategies to experience lasting joy in the wake of warm, present and genuine conversation.
Compassionate Communication changes our consciousness
so that the habits of the past
are replaced by the passion of the present. - Pan Vera, (NVC Trainer)
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