Humility is not a word which is often used in association with the strengths needed to be considered a success in the world we live.
Quite to the contrary, a humble person is often viewed as weak, just a commoner among those who have garnered prestige and success.
  He isn't thought of as having the drive or winning attitude needed to make it in the world.
  Contrast people with MS, myself included, with this notion, and you will find an entirely new definition of a successful life.
One that includes the very word so many find counter productive to success - humility.
MS, either by force or by passive resistance, slowly strips away pride, status and an elevated opinion of self.
That is actually a good thing as it makes you step back and take stock of what is really important.
  This bare bones approach to the effort expended during any given day, allows the attaining of only the most important elements of our existence.
  It means only what matters most receives our full attention and due diligence.
Initially, this process of internal down-sizing can be downright painful.
  We've all prided ourselves on acquiring traits we thought made us successful.
  Traits which enabled us to get that job or buy that car and that house.
Traits we credited with becoming a good mother or father, husband or wife.
  With the emergence of an incurable disease, the same traits that at one time enabled us, now some to be indirectly responsible for disabling us - our health, energy and power.
It is when this realization hits, that humility becomes a personality trait we learn to embrace and appreciate.
Here are the top 3 ways in which I  have benefited from the humbling power of MS, resulting in a happier and more successful life.

1. MS has allowed me to view assistive devices such as canes, walkers, wheel chairs and scooters in a much more positive and appreciative light.
     At one time, pride made such aides seem shameful and embarrassing to me.
     I felt I was weak or failing myself in some way if I had to rely on them.
     With the addition of humility as a positive personality trait, I can now view such devices correctly.
   I now view them as a demonstration of my strength, not my weakness.
    I rely on whatever devices I need to enable me to spend quality time with the people I love, doing the things that bring us closer together.
   
2. MS' humbling power has taught me to accept kind acts with graciousness and appreciation.
     While it is true that there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving, I realize I am not able to give to my loved ones and friends like I could in the past.
     These days I receive much more than I can reciprocate and it was a source of guilt and regret, at one time.
    However, I can now view it more positively, because of being humble.
     I can accept gifts and acts of kindness with joy and not sighing or resentment.
     That would not be possible had I not learned to view myself with more humility, allowing myself to clearly see my limitations.
   
3. I humbly accept that my best is good enough.
     Even when my best does not stop my disease progression, or when my best does not allow me to socialize as often as I would like, or when my best does not prevent me from being side-lined with fatigue so crippling, it confines me to bed for days at a time.
     Even when all those negative events occur, I can humbly take pride in the fact that I am doing my best!

Of course there are other ways having MS has humbled me and I appreciate each and every door MS has opened for me.
  I have learned what a successful life really means and how to spend my days in a way that brings me satisfaction and joy.
  A life well spent is something we all deserve.
Learning to be humble puts us on the road in the right direction.