Humility is unfortunately a long-forgotten virtue in our self-absorbed world. We’re starved for love and genuine connections and are busy blaming others, while it is really a universal problem.

I will explain why I believe in the importance of humility and how it can transform our perception of ourselves and our relationships with others.

Understanding Humility Beyond Definitions

I can’t imagine you haven’t noticed how ‘Merica is feeling a bit self-obsessed these days. You’re not alone! We’re living in a society that’s all about self-promotion and self-obsession. A society obsessed with me-me-me-me-me-me. This mindset affects everyone we interact with—our family, friends, strangers, and most commonly people on the Internet now.

Misconceptions About Humility

One of the largest problems is what we think humility means. Many people mistake it for subservience or lowliness (biased dictionary anyone?). But here’s the thing—humility has nothing to do with being a doormat. We’ve completely missed the boat.

A Holistic View of Humility

True humility is about understanding and accepting who we truly are. It’s about knowing our strengths and weaknesses; not inflating or denying anything and recognizing that one has different talents and gifts than those around them. If you think about it, aren’t these the very things that make us unique?

“The essence of humility is knowing who you are, your strengths, and weaknesses, while being grounded in reality.” – Nefreteri

So, humility isn’t about belittling ourselves. Nor is it about having a false modesty. (What exactly is a “humble brag” anyway?) You don’t have to talk yourself up or run yourself down.

The Importance of Self-Awareness in Humility

• Self-awareness: It’s like the secret ingredient of humility.
• Grounded Reality: Being humble keeps us in check
• Better Relationships: When we understand ourselves, we can start connecting better with others.

Humility is a virtue, not a weakness. Another way to think of being grounded in reality is being down-to-earth or not having a “big head”. Humility can almost be seen as an anchor. It’s a beautiful trait, that while we find ourselves looking for it in significant others, we forget to look within. Give yourself a “humility check-up”.

Humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself. It’s just about thinking of yourself less while thinking about others.

The Impact of Social Media on Humility

1. Social Media’s Role in Fostering Pride

We now know social media is a glorified highlight reel. Everyone is screaming, “Look at me!” while they take pictures in “For Sale” houses’ bathrooms and rental luxury cars. Social media platforms encourage self-promotion and create a culture of pride. We see endless posts where people flaunt their achievements and material possessions.

People falsely believe humility is only for the “famous or rich,” while the rest can boast freely.And that’s one of our biggest problems. Because of social media, there’s all this self-promotion, all to create the illusion of a “perfect” life.

To combat self-esteem doesn’t mean you go bragging about who you are. – Nefreteri

2. Adverse Effects on Mental Health

➡️ Comparison is one of social media’s biggest traps.

As we scroll through seemingly perfect lives, it’s easy to start feeling inadequate. You might have noticed a friend posting about their tropical vacation while you’re in your pajamas on the couch. This endless comparison can lead to depression and anxiety. Our mental well-being takes a hit as we continuously measure ourselves against unrealistic curated lives. It creates a never-ending FOMO.

3. Strategies for Maintaining Humility Online

1. Be mindful of what you share. Ask yourself: Does this post reflect my true self or just my highlight reel?
2. Connect with your true value. Remember, your worth isn’t tied to likes or followers, it comes from your Creator
3. Practice gratitude: Focus on what you have rather than what you lack. Keep a journal if it helps!*

Let’s remind ourselves that humility isn’t old-fashioned. It’s essential—for our mental health and realistic self-worth.

Embracing Humility in Everyday Life

Now that we’ve covered online, have you ever wondered why humility is so important in our everyday lives? It’s not just about humility but understanding our place in the world.

Where self-promotion seems to be the norm, how do we stay grounded?

Ways to Practice Humility Daily

Let’s start simple.

Every day, we can practice humility by actively listening to others. Do you really hear what someone else is saying or are you just waiting impatiently for your chance to speak? (This is super common!!) Active listening can lead to greater empathy and deeper connections. Moreover, expressing gratitude* can remind us of our privileges and bring a sense of humility to our lives.

* TIP for practicing gratitude

I had a gratitude journal with prompts to write down 3 things every day for which I was grateful. But I’m not gonna lie to you, even with prompts it was HARD!

The human mind suffers from a negative bias. It’s so easy to see the negative. And therein lies the tip! Reframe negative things into positives. Instead of saying your car is a hunk-of-junk, acknowledge that it gets you from point A to B and it hasn’t broken down. Maybe you also didn’t get into an accident that day.

Be grateful for friends (most people are lonely). The cashier was nice to you instead of super grouchy. The dog you pet, cause though you want one you can’t afford a pet right now. It’s about legitimately looking on the bright side. We take for granted how many things don’t go wrong in a day. Be grateful for those!

Benefits of Humility in Personal Growth

I always feel that humility can open doors to self-awareness and empathy. No one wants to believe they’re privileged. In America, Victim Nation, (as I call it, lol) we all like to think we got the short end of the stick. That’s a flawed perspective. Americans are so blessed just to be born in America. I don’t care who is in office. As of today, we are still a FREE nation.

When we embrace humility, we recognize that our advantages in life were not earned by us alone. For those born into wealth, or with beauty, or talent, those are gifts. No one created themselves. This realization encourages compassion towards others. Find a way to use your gift for the greater good. Give back, if those privileges give you a monetary advantage.

“Humility will open more doors than arrogance ever will.” – Zig Ziglar

Overcoming Societal Pressures to Self-Promote

In a world full of Instagram filters and curated perfection, resisting the urge to self-promote can be tough. But, isn’t it refreshing to just be real? (true authenticity anyone?)We should remember that virtues like humility need not be turned into vices. Instead, they should be celebrated and preserved.

In conclusion, embracing humility enhances our personal growth journey. It helps us build stronger relationships and fosters a community rooted in empathy and understanding. If someone tells you they see humility in you, take it as a compliment—it truly reflects a balanced self-esteem and a grounded perspective on life. Stay grounded, and let humility guide your way every day.

Stay Salty Christians 😉,
Nefreteri