Memento Mori

Life has a peculiar way of humbling us when we least expect it. Whether it's a setback, a failure, or a moment of profound realization, these experiences have the power to strip away our illusions of control and remind us of our inherent vulnerability. While being humbled may initially evoke feelings of discomfort or even embarrassment, it is ultimately through these moments that we find opportunities for growth, self-reflection, and transformation.

In the past couple of months, I have been humbled more than I ever expected while doing something I love, diving. Through gaining experience working on a dive boat, leading guides, giving briefings, and everything else that comes with becoming a professional diver, Ive made plenty of mistakes and have come face to face with the very humbling reality that I know very little, some might even say close to nothing... I've wanted to quit many times, throw in the towel because my mind tells me i'm not smart enough, not good enough, nor capable enough to finish this program let alone become a dive instructor. I have felt overwhelmed, and even unsure about what the heck I'm supposed to be doing around the boat. Ive asked too many questions, and far too little as well, have had moments where things finally started to feel like they were running smoothly, only to be bit in the ass the next day, constantly struggling to find a balance between ego and humility.

Embracing Vulnerability

Being humbled often involves confronting our vulnerabilities head-on. It requires us to acknowledge our mistakes, shortcomings, and areas for improvement with humility and grace. While this can be a daunting prospect, it is through vulnerability that we cultivate empathy, compassion, and resilience. By embracing vulnerability, we open ourselves up to the possibility of deeper connections with others and a greater sense of authenticity in our lives.

Memento Mori; remember you must die, remember you are mortal. Taking on humbling experiences, challenges that cause us to take a second look into ourself, can become much less daunting by embracing that we are only human. Ive had to remind myself of this everyday, to keep from getting down on myself, from being too harsh on myself. I have to remind myself that i'm essentially still a beginner, still quite green in the tasks that i'm trying to get through, I come across as an idiot in some aspects I presume, and thats okay. I'm still figuring it out.

Cultivating Gratitude and Perspective

Being humbled can also serve as a powerful reminder of the blessings and privileges we often take for granted. It prompts us to pause and reflect on the things that truly matter in life—our health, our relationships, our values, and aspirations. By cultivating gratitude and perspective, we shift our focus away from what we lack toward what we already have, finding contentment and fulfillment in the present moment.

Having the privilege of being humbled by something that we value greatly is nothing short of a blessing. Once we are able to look past the negatives of the situation and pull out the pieces that need work, we also allow for a clearer vision of what around us is going well, the positives and the pieces of ourselves that we can take pride in, the most obvious of those pieces, being that we have the drive and determination to continue working through whatever it is we are struggling with, and then the ability to decide if its worth struggling through. By facing humbling situations we are granted more options than if we never tried in the first place, and giving ourselves the ability to have options is the greatest privilege.

-Dive. Lift. Jiu-Jitsu. Repeat.