A Slice of Humble Pie

Pie is deeeeelicious.  And under normal circumstances, I would certainly encourage seconds… seconds with whip cream.  (And that’s wHip cream– emphasis on the H.)  Especially if that pie is pumpkin.

Yes, I made this.
Yes, I made this.

Humble pie, while metaphorically pie, is a different beast.  And it is the one pie situation in which seconds are most certainly not encouraged.  Just a sliver will do.

According to the Wikipedia page, humility is generally considered a virtue and I can see why.  To be humble is to recognize that you’re not perfect, and that’s an important thing to recognize.  (Unless you are perfect, but then we ought to talk about your God-complex.)

What concerns me about humility is that, at least among many of the women I know, humility has been taken to the extreme at the expense of confidence.  And that makes me sad because I know some amazing women who really can’t seem to give themselves the credit they deserve.

The indispensable editor  and all-around do-gooder concerned about not having “the” degree… the incredibly talented writer and animal expert who doesn’t think her experience counts for a dang thing… the mother, activist, and author who thinks no one cares about the children’s book she wrote… the nurse with over 30 peer-reviewed publications, a doctorate, and good ideas coming out of her ears who thinks she may not be qualified to lead her own research program……………..

Need I go on?  Because I could.  Easily.

I want so badly for these women to see themselves through my eyes.  To get even a brief glimpse of how amazing they are.  And not just because of the external accomplishments described above.  But also because of the beautiful people they are, inside and out.

So maybe, just maybe, we could cut ourselves a smaller piece of that humble pie next time.  Try to be ok with who we are, what we’ve done, and the good we add to the world.  Because I can tell you, without a doubt, that you add good to my world and I am so grateful for that.

Living life by the golden rule is important– treat others how you would want to be treated.  But for so many of us, I think we forget to treat ourselves with that same kindness.  Perhaps you could start today.  And let me know if you need some help.  I can tell you why you’re awesome– easy as pie!!

 

5 thoughts on “A Slice of Humble Pie

  1. This is so cool! I know the women you are talking about, and totally agree! They are amazing and should shout it to the world! 🙂

  2. I wonder how much a woman’s humility is due to social conditioning? How would things be different if we tried to focus on capabilities and confidence (NOT arrogance) rather than sell girls’ shirts that say ‘Math is hard’?

  3. I am OK and happy with who I am, at least personally; sometimes professionally can be a different story. But, I am fortunate to know, and be surrounded by, many amazing women!

  4. After reading Lean In, thank you, Rachel, I realize that I should have taken more credit for my accomplishments and been a better role model for my kids. Fortunately, they all turned out to be spectacular role models for ME! I am learning to toot my own horn loud enough to be heard. I am looking to start an orchestra with my middle school students (toot, toot!).

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