What I Think About: Always Be Humble And Kind

This post is a creative twist on program principles and slightly off-topic.

I used to be part of a wonderful chat for women in program. Somehow, the topic of songs with themes connected to program principles came up.

The song, “Always Be Humble And Kind” is one of my favorites. I feel that it embodies many of the program principles that we often discuss during our meeting.

Just for fun, I thought I would share the song on the blog with the lyrics, and list the program principles that I think it contains.

Lyrics

“Humble And Kind”
(written by Lori McKenna)

You know there’s a light that glows by the front door
Don’t forget the key’s under the mat
When childhood stars shine,
Always stay humble and kind

Go to church ’cause your mamma says to
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 flyin’
Always stay humble and kind

Know the difference between 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 those 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 going don’t forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind

 

 

My interpretation of the PRINCIPLES of this song:

Be considerate and respectful towards others — in particular, towards your parents, your elders and authority figures.

Life a life with meaning, purpose and direction.

Make a commitment to something bigger than yourself.

Cultivate a sense of reference, awe and wonder.

Act ethically and refrain from deliberately harming others.

Be responsible for your actions:  if you genuinely provoke, cause, or contribute to a negative situation, review your conduct, apologize, and amend your behavior going forward.

Practice acceptance — expect the unexpected and do not insist on a particular outcome.

Do not dwell on the past and your regrets.

Practice forgiveness.

Be honest: do not lie, steal or cheat

Be humble: let your accomplishments speak for themselves.

Be polite, and civil and practice good manners.

Cultivate gratitude and appreciation.

Do not compare yourself with others.

Cultivate a “good eye” and to see the soul within all living people.

Know the difference between love and sex:

• Love is other-centered: is the decision to focus on the good of another person and the act of giving without an expectation to take.
• Sex is ego-centered: it is the desire for pleasure and the self-gratification that we get from another person.

Stay in the now: time moves forward, not backwards.

Appreciate and savor each moment in time: Nothing last forever and everything always changes.

Focus on giving, and not getting.

Practice acts of loving kindness.

Nothing comes for free – there is balance and harmony in the universe. (Karma)

There is a time for everything. Don’t wish your life away.

I hope you all enjoy the song!

In love and service,

Shira

References:

https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/timmcgraw/humbleandkind.html