Never Goes Out of Style-True Humility

John Wooden said, "Courtesy, politeness, and kindness" never go out of style.  I could not agree more.  I'd like to also add one thing that I have noticed that never goes out of style--true humility.  I am not speaking about a false humility in which someone downgrades their skills with the goal of really letting others within earshot know they actually do have these skills.  (This "false humility" is a mask for arrogance).  I am referring to the idea of letting others point out our positive points within us and not doing so ourselves.  It's OK to be good at something and acknowledge that, but the problem comes when we use that to downgrade others and make ourselves feel superior.  John Wooden also said, "Remember you are no better than anyone else, but just as good as everyone else."  Recalling this refrain is key to putting in perspective our sense of self worth.  John Wooden, the greatest coach ever, taught this skill to all his players.  Even Bill Walton, his most challenging personality, credits his coach with modeling a skill that never goes out of style--true humility

Rising Up

The 10th anniversary of 9-11 really hit me hard.  It seemed as if all the feelings and emotions that surfaced on that day 10 years ago were resurrected within.  I felt fear, anger, devastation, frustration and helplessness as I watched the numerous replays of the events that fateful day.

However, as I was watching a program on Discovery about the rebuilding of Ground Zero my thoughts and emotions took a turn for the better.  I saw the construction footage of the new tower--the building that when finished will be the tallest in our nation.  As they interviewed the men and women working on this mammoth project I also felt a renewed spirit.  Many of these workers had fathers or relatives that worked on the original World Trade Center.  Their determination, resilience, and laser-like focus on completing this mission was inspiring.

It was a wake up call to me as well.  They had a profound respect for the people that passed on 9-11-01, but a firm belief that the future ahead was bright and promising.  No, correct that.  They were imposing  their will on the future, if that is possible, by saying, "It will be bright, because we won't accept anything less."

The new One World Trade Center Tower rises up out of the ashes and makes a strong yet humble statement that no matter what tragedies and crimes befall us, we will always rise up after them.

LET'S ROLL!

Putting Your Whole Self In

It was 102 degrees in St. Louis on September 1st and my kids wanted to hit the pool.  We put on our swimsuits, got our towels, and walked over to the pool knowing this may be one of our last visits there this summer.  Upon entering, my children immediately threw themselves into the water with reckless abandon.  Meanwhile, I sat on a chair and watched from the pool deck.  I just wasn't sold on getting wet.  While I sat there sweating in this oppressive heat, my son shouted out, "Dad, what are you doing?  Did you just come here to sit on the side?  Get in here!"  His simple but wise plea awakened me.  I immediately hopped in the water and I must admit it felt pretty good.  But, that was not enough for my eldest son.  "Dad, you didn't even get your hair wet.  If you're gonna swim, you got to put your whole self in the water.  That's how you cool off!"  Again, I took his advice and submerged my "whole self" (including my head) underwater.

I wonder how often we miss out on something "better" because we are hesitant to put our "whole self in."  What a sad way to live--to only give a portion of what we have to our endeavors.  I am convinced that the deeper we place our self in anything we do, the greater our potential for joy.  In other words, the greater the self investment, the greater the joy (and disappointment) we open ourselves to experience.  Too many of us avoid the profound self investment in fear of experiencing failure.  In reality, that is letting fear guide our life decisions...which is no way to live.