Life is a long lesson in humility. – J.M. Barrie
Life continues to teach me that humility is not weakness; rather, it is strength. It grounds me; it helps me avoid iron-willed self-determination.
It reminds me, often not gently, that the events, circumstances, and outcomes of my life are not mine alone to dictate or control.
It reminds me that I need help; more importantly, that I need to learn to ask for it.
Dentistry was a humbling profession for me as a doctor, but I really did not understand humility until I became a patient.
Manic depression taught me never, never, to say, “It can’t happen to me.”
Cerebellitis literally and figuratively brought me to my knees.
Both illnesses dramatically demonstrated to me that total control of my mind, my body, and my life did not rest in my hands alone.
I needed the help of Dr. Kafrissen and his staff to treat and control my bipolar disorder; I needed the help of the physical therapists who taught me how to crawl, stand, and walk; and, I needed the help of so many others who taught me how to reach out, many times reluctantly, and take their outstretched hands; and, especially, my wife. – Excerpt from “I’m Afraid”
In recent blogs, I described how poetry and patience helped defend me from the fears that followed in the aftermath of misfortune.
Humility, like them, is yet one more arrow in my quiver, but not the last one.
I offer these thoughts for your consideration.
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The saga continues in my next blog.
Do Not Be Afraid!!!