the grace of humility . day one

[1] A realistic opinion of yourself

First, do not think better of yourself because of any outward circumstance that happens to you. Although you may--because of the gifts that have been bestowed upon you--be better at something than someone else (as one horse runs faster than another), know that it is for the benefit of others, not for yourself. Remember that you are merely human and that you have nothing in yourself that merits worth except your right choices.

Second, humility does not consist in criticizing yourself, or wearing ragged clothes, or walking around submissively wherever you go. Humility consists in a realistic opinion of yourself, namely, that you are an unworthy person. Believe this about yourself with the same certainty you believe that you are hungry when you have gone without food.

~from The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living by Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667)