humility trumps pride

Pride. I've got it. I get a little burst of pride every Saturday when I get love from all of the wonderful killerbread-heads at Portland and Beaverton Farmers' Markets.

I'm proud of my accomplishments: I completed a computer-aided drafting course in prison and have since made great strides in computer literacy. Before my release from the joint after 7.5 years (this trip) down I decided to put my new-found creative urge to the test by returning to work with my estranged family, designing over a dozen new successful varieties of bread and other baked goods. Meanwhile, developing a marketing strategy which simply tells it like it is--lightheartedly.

The result has been a successful run. My crew and I now produce about 10,000 loaves a week, and I have made my mark. And I am proud of what we have accomplished.

On the other hand, I must not lose sight of what got me here. Through humiliation and suffering, I was fortunate enough to gain understanding of the life-changing concept of humility. Practicing humility to me means to be no more nor less than who you are. To accept one's shortcomings today, but to expect the highest effort in self- and environmental-enrichment.

Humility will keep me whole, no matter what the future brings. I leave you with the Buddhist Eightfold Path--which helps to keep my feet on the ground:

Right Views

Right Intent

Right Speech

Right Conduct

Right Livelihood

Right Endeavor

Right Mindfulness

Right Meditation

As the thunder rolls outside my window tonight, my life is sweet.