Embracing Humility: The Profound Gift of Gratitude in a World of Entitlement

 In the modern age, amidst our myriad desires and aspirations, it’s common to feel entitled, to believe that the world owes us its treasures simply because we exist. Yet, amidst this whirlwind, we must remember a profound truth: nothing we have is truly deserved; it is all a gift. Our lives are saturated with opportunities and desires, which can lead us to develop a sense of entitlement. This entitlement can overshadow the reality that everything we possess is bestowed upon us, not earned. Recognizing this can transform our perspective, fostering a deeper sense of gratitude and humility. As Jordan B. Peterson eloquently reminds us, “Pride is the recognition of the fact that you are your own highest value and, like all of man’s values, it has to be earned.”

Consider the love that graces our lives, like a gentle beacon guiding us through the darkest nights. It’s a rare and precious gift, bestowed upon us by the grace of fate and the kindness of others. Yet, instead of embracing it with open arms and hearts overflowing with gratitude, we unwittingly slip into the trap of entitlement. We begin to believe that love is something we inherently deserve, forgetting that it’s a choice made by another soul—a choice to share their essence, their vulnerabilities, and their joys with us. 


In the dance of relationships, loyalty emerges as a steadfast companion, a beacon of unwavering support and commitment. It’s a precious gift, freely given by those who believe in our journey and stand by us through thick and thin. Yet, in our blindness to its significance, we often take loyalty for granted, assuming it as an entitlement rather than a blessing. But as Peterson cautions, “Pride is the mask of one’s own faults.” To truly appreciate the gift of loyalty, we must humble ourselves before its majesty, recognizing that it’s not a given but a precious offering bestowed upon us by those who see the beauty in our imperfections.

However, in our failure to appreciate these gifts, we inevitably fall into the pitfall of pride—the sin that blinds us to the interconnected web of relationships and experiences that shape our lives. It convinces us that we are deserving of every success, every blessing that comes our way, leading us to believe that our achievements are solely the result of our own efforts and abilities.“Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

To break free from the grip of pride, we must cultivate a spirit of humility and gratitude—a spirit that recognizes the contributions of others, acknowledges the role of luck and circumstance in our lives, and embraces the interconnectedness of all living beings. Only then can we truly appreciate the gifts that grace our lives and live with a sense of genuine humility and gratitude. As Peterson aptly concludes, “In the pursuit of wisdom, the devil is in the details,

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As Meister Eckhart, the German theologian, and philosopher, once said, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” This profound insight reinforces the essence of our journey—recognizing the beauty in the gifts bestowed upon us and embracing them with a heart full of gratitude.

Kwabena

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