Daily thought: Sometimes we find it difficult, if not near impossible to receive. We may be good at giving, yet struggle to open ourselves up to the generosity and kindness of others.
Point to ponder: Why do we find it hard to receive? Why is it easy for some of us to willingly and effortlessly give, yet feel awkward when we are on the receiving end? Why do we struggle with what to say, how to respond and in opening ourselves up to receive those gifts?
Soulful reflection: Someone close to me recently received a lovely offer from someone, yet didn’t know how to respond. It was uncomfortable and there was an apprehension around crafting an appropriate response. For me, responding is easy, however, being on the receiving end is not. I love to give, yet struggle with receiving – but I am learning and have put specific mental checkpoints in place to ensure I remove myself from the offer – and step into the other person’s shoes.
When you’re a giver by nature, the universe almost seems to consistently throw takers your way. It’s like magnets to steel. And wow, those takers have no problem being on the receiving end. They can take and take until the giver has nothing left mentally, emotionally, spiritually or physically. It’s exhausting and can deplete one’s soul. Yet givers can’t seem to stop, even when they try. It’s who they are, how they’re wired – and it’s a beautiful thing.
If you’re a giver who has trouble receiving, stop and check-in with yourself. Do you hear yourself saying the following consistently: “Thank you, but you don’t have to.”, “I don’t want you to go through the trouble.”, “You shouldn’t have.” “No, but thank you.”, or “I don’t want to put you out.”? Did you ever step into the shoes of the other person, that person like you, who derives pleasure and happiness from helping others? The one who selflessly gives of him or herself because they want to, expecting nothing in return? Take a moment and do that, then you might be able to better receive the gifts others have to give. And by gifts, it’s not only the tangible. It is the gift of time. The gift of a generous spirit, a helping hand and a listening ear. It’s the gift of love and friendship.
When people want to do something nice for you and you feel the need to say no or take over, it will most likely hurt their feelings and make them uncomfortable. There should be a balance – a give and take, for all of the givers out there. Don’t worry about becoming a taker. It won’t happen. It’s not in you. But you can become a person who can willingly surrender to receiving from others, accepting the love and care they have to offer.
Can you imagine what a beautiful world this could be?
