In recovery, understanding humility is a noble goal to pursue. We can look up the meaning of humility in the dictionary, but there’s way more to it. There’s no path or straight line to humility. Becoming humble requires full respect of who we are and what our purpose is in life. We can think of humility as a spiritual calling, too.

If you recently got sober you might be saying, I don’t respect myself and I certainly don’t know my purpose. Our purpose can mean the intention to be our highest and best self. Bill Wilson, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, wrote humility was, “the clear recognition of what and who we really are, followed by a sincere attempt to be what we can be.”

In recovery, as we clear away the fog of substance abuse, an understanding of our highest and best may become more clear to us. Gaining self-respect happens the same way. In order to be humble we first have to know ourselves. We may have been brought up in a dysfunctional household in which mixed messages flew about, there was manipulation, anger, abuse and neglect. In that situation, how were we supposed to know who we really were? We had no guidance. Recovery guides us provides us a foundation.

Gaining humility isn’t meant to be a struggle, yet day by week by month we struggle. One day something tells us to let go our furtive quest for self-discovery and respect. In doing so we may decide to seek help through therapy, and breathe a sigh of relief. Gaining humility is a process.

Our self-respect has a chance to grow once we become more clear of who we are in sobriety.  Being humble doesn’t necessitate denying our accomplishments. Being humble is being at ease with what is—having grace. Humble people don’t deflect compliments or praise. They simply say thank you. There are many words that connote a humble person such as: nonjudgmental, realistic, calm, stable, patient, clear, centered and grounded.

In recovery, as we learn who we are and gain self-respect, our need for attention lessens and aligns with humility. We think of others more often. We make pumpkin soup for a sick neighbor and place the jar on his front steps with a get well card. We aren’t seeking credit for our act of kindness. Morale is low at the office, so we bring in cookies. Nobody needs to know they came from us.

Evidence-based and built with passion. Our primary purpose at The Kimberly Center is to assist those who are suffering in finding recovery. Restoring a healthier, happier, more productive life, graduates of our program find themselves free from substance dependence and destructive behavior. Call us today for information: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)