Growing up I somehow learned that being humble meant acting like you weren't good enough. If someone complimented me for my piano recital piece, I was supposed to say, "Thank you but I don't deserve it." Or, "Oh no, it's not me, I have a very good teacher."

Deflect, divert, and never take credit. You're not allowed to take credit or you will seem arrogant.

I lived most of my life that way, until I saw how it was affecting the rest of my life. I took it to the extreme, and never gave myself credit for my hard work. I was always in the corner watching and waiting for other people to notice me. Never stepping out or talking about myself or allowing people to see me. But owning my business has made me shift all of this. I NEED to step up and stand out. Being quiet in a loud world doesn't get you business.

Now I am seeing where the lines are between being humble and being good enough. They are actually two separate concepts. You can be excellent and humble at the same time. Confident and self assured and humble, too. They are not mutually exclusive. Taking credit for your hard work isn't arrogant. It's simply owning your effort. Giving other's credit for your work is a betrayal of yourself.

How did I turn my old belief's around? By learning to accept compliments. Really accept them and not deflect them. Really absorb them and allow the gratitude to permeate my heart. And then to share them with others, not in a bragging way, but in a proud way. I'm grateful for my scheduling tool because it automatically asks people to review me and every few months I get a 5 star review.

Here is a recent one that came in Anonymously.

"I had the privilege of receiving a session from Miinkay, and I am compelled to share my experience. From the moment I stepped into her serene healing space, I felt enveloped in a cocoon of tranquility. Miinkay’s energy radiates warmth and compassion, instantly putting me at ease. Her sessions are transformative, leaving you with a sense of renewal and alignment."

Thank you to that anonymous writer. Words can be so empowering.

This is a new phase of life where I'm not going to hold myself back. I am going to be myself, be proud of my accomplishments and not shy away from talking about them. I am going to give credit to my teachers and supporters. And I'm going to empower others to do the same.

We need the gifts you have and hiding them will do no one any good. If you sometimes try to stay hidden, then define for yourself - where is the line between humble, and holding myself back?