“True humility is not thinking less of yourself
but knowing your worth and
leading with love instead of fear.”
Glenn S. Cohen
@CenterForNI
A few months ago, I had an insightful session with a client I deeply respect. He was preparing for a men’s hiking trip and wanted feedback on something he had written. After our session, he sent me his reflection and it touched me deeply. With his blessing, I wrote this blog inspired by his message, reframed through the lens of Neurological Intelligence.
One of the core principles of NI is non-judgment. We look at patterns not as good or bad, but as either empowered (bringing peace and serves us) or disempowered (bringing conflict and pain).
What struck me most in his reflection was how he explored the difference between pride and humility. Here's how I see it:
Disempowered Pride
· Is driven by ego, fear, and comparison.
· It seeks validation, control, superiority.
· It defends, deflects, and inhibits vulnerability.
· It inflates to protect.
· It disconnects us, from self, others, and growth.
Empowered Pride
· Is grounded in love.
· It’s a healthy acknowledgment of our gifts, earned through inner work.
· It doesn’t diminish others.
· It doesn’t hide flaws.
· It flows freely from the heart.
· It’s the quiet confidence that comes from doing the deep work.
· The pride that says, “I know who I am. I love who I’m becoming.”
Humility
· Is the strength of grounded truth.
· It honors our worth without the need to prove anything.
· It allows us to stay teachable, open, and connected.
· It doesn’t shrink; it stands tall in grace.
· Humility says, “I am enough as I am, and I’m open to grow more.”
· It doesn’t armor up.
· It lets the heart lead.
· It’s love over fear, again and again.
So often, our protection patterns masquerade as strength. But real strength is our ability to stay open and flexible with love and acceptance. We choose to let go of comparisons and a belief of superiority in favor of connection, curiosity, and compassion. On our evolving journey, we are willing to be seen as imperfect humans and let others truly see us, flaws and all. True humility doesn’t mean shrinking or self-denial. It’s inner confidence without outer dominance.
That is our strength in grace.
Empowered pride is a tree rooted deep in love, steady, unshakable, and open to the sky.
Humility is the wind that moves through it, not forcing, not proving, just present, soft, and strong in its own way. So, where in your life are you standing tall with grace and where might protection be masquerading as pride?
If this speaks to you, send me a DM. I’d love to connect. You can also reach out through the “Request Initial Interview” page on my website, subscribe to my Substack, or follow my Apple or Spotify podcast.
Sending big hugs and lots of love,
Glenn 🙏🌻
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