Just a thought: A recipe for life, being humble and kind

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Have you ever met someone for the first time and within 30 seconds you can tell you really don’t care for them? How can you assess a person that quickly? We all do it.

First impressions can be hard to overcome but, without exception, you have had a first impression with every person you have ever interacted with. Each of us are so unique that we are the only model of our kind in the entire world. The way we look, the way we move, and the words we use all speak for themselves. 

How we act towards others is a choice we make. If you want to treat someone like they are royalty, you can do so. If you want to treat someone like they don’t exist, you have this option also.

We are each like a 24/7 transmitter, sending out signals every second of our existence. What you emit will impact what is emitted back to you. You can’t control what is emitted back, but you can influence and impact it by what you emit. 

What are core attitudes that you seek to live your life with? Attitudes that you seek to adhere to on your journey of life regardless of your circumstances?

There is a popular song by Tim McGraw with a great message on the attitude each of us should live with. It’s advice is so basic that it could be used as a lesson for a young child. The song is titled “Humble and Kind.” It goes as follows:

“You know there’s a light that glows by the front door. Don’t forget the key is under the mat. When childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind. Go to church cause your momma says too. Visit grandpa every chance that you can. It won’t be wasted time. Always stay humble and kind.

“Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don’t steal. Don’t cheat. And don’t lie. I know you got mountains to climb but always stay humble and kind. When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you, when the work you put in is realized, let yourself feel the pride but always stay humble and kind.

“Don’t expect a free ride from no one. Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why. Bitterness keeps you from flying. Always stay humble and kind.

“Know the difference with sleeping with someone and sleeping with someone you love. ‘I love you’ ain’t no pick up line, so always stay humble and kind.

“Hold the door. Say please, say thank you. Don’t steal. Don’t cheat. And don’t lie. I know you got mountains to climb but always stay humble and kind. When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you. When the work you put in is realized, let yourself feel the pride but always stay humble and kind.

“When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle, Shut off the AC and roll the windows down. Let that summer sun shine. Always stay humble and kind.

“Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re goin’, don’t forget turn back around. And help the next one in line. Always stay humble and kind.”

Mr. McGraw wants us to apply the same formula to everything that life deals us. Whether you are on a mountaintop or walking a deep valley, be humble and kind. If you are the bottom rung on the ladder where you work or at the top of the “food chain,” be humble and kind.

I think Mr. McGraw’s words are words of wisdom. You choose how you are. And your choices make all the difference in your life. They bring consequences. 

American comic artist and Beetle Bailey creator Addison Walker said, “It’s not true that nice guys finish last. Nice guys are winners before the game even starts.” Attitude is not an event or activity, it is a way of life.

President Theodore Roosevelt hit the nail on the head when he said, “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” What you accomplish in this short life that you have been given will be directly tied to your relationships. 

Relationships are two way streets. The attitude you choose deep in your heart impacts your relationships and your relationships impact your world.

My challenge to you today is to do your best to follow Mr. McGraw’s advice, always be humble and kind. Whether you are fighting to make ends meet or living on easy street, treat others with humbleness and kindness. This recipe will allow those around you to fly higher and in turn will allow you to fly higher with them.

George Washington Carver said “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”

And always be humble and kind.

Just a thought...

Rick Kraft is a motivational speaker, a syndicated columnist, a published author, and an attorney. To submit comments, contributions, or ideas, e-mail to rkraft@kraftlawfirm.org or write to P.O. Box 850, Roswell, New Mexico, 88202 - 0850.