"التواضع الحقيقي ليس التفكير بشكل أقل في نفسك"

True humility is about recognizing your worth without constantly putting yourself down. It involves understanding and accepting who you are, with all your strengths and flaws, without feeling the need to diminish yourself. Think of it as having a clear, balanced view of yourself—neither inflated nor deflated.

Let's imagine a time when this idea was particularly relevant. C.S. Lewis, a renowned writer and scholar, delved into this concept in his book "Mere Christianity," published in 1952. He talked about humility in a way that challenged the common misconception that being humble means thinking you're worthless. Instead, Lewis suggested that real humility is about self-awareness and a genuine recognition of your abilities and weaknesses.

Picture this: you're in a meeting at work, and a project you've been leading has just been completed successfully. True humility doesn't mean you shy away and say, "Oh, it was nothing," or downplay your role. Instead, you acknowledge the achievement and your contribution, while also recognizing the efforts of your team. You might say, "I'm really proud of the work we've done together. Everyone's effort made this possible." This way, you're not diminishing your role, but you're also giving credit where it's due.

Applying this wisdom in your life can be transformative. Start by being honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. When you do something well, acknowledge it. Celebrate your achievements without bragging or feeling guilty. And when you make a mistake, own up to it without beating yourself up. It's about finding that sweet spot between arrogance and self-deprecation.

Let me tell you a story that illustrates this idea. Imagine a high school student named Alex. Alex is a talented musician and always gets top marks in music class. Instead of thinking he's the best and looking down on his classmates, Alex sees areas where he can improve and appreciates his peers' skills. During a school concert, he performs a solo brilliantly. After the performance, instead of brushing off compliments with a "No, it wasn't that good," he simply says, "Thank you, it means a lot. I worked hard on that piece." He also makes sure to congratulate his friends on their performances, recognizing their efforts and talent.

In everyday life, try to practice this balanced humility. When you receive praise, accept it graciously and acknowledge your hard work. When you see someone else succeed, celebrate their achievements without comparing yourself. If you make a mistake, admit it, learn from it, and move on without dwelling on it endlessly.

So, next time you find yourself downplaying your achievements or feeling like you need to be self-deprecating to be humble, remember this: true humility is about an honest, balanced view of yourself. It’s about being proud of your accomplishments without arrogance and acknowledging your shortcomings without feeling defeated. It’s a journey of self-awareness and acceptance, one step at a time.