‘Tis the season of giving – at least that’s what we’re programmed to believe and do.
I passed a store the other day with a lighted G I V E sign in the window and it occurred to me – why isn’t there a R E C E I V E sign too? Being able to receive is just as important as giving – no matter what time of year.
For those of us always doing for others, that includes men, receiving can be uncomfortable and even feel vulnerable. Many of us learned from an early age to “put others wants and needs before our own” and that “giving is better than receiving”.
Receiving and giving are yin and yang – we need both to be balanced – to be whole.
Give with an open heart – from a place of love, not from expectations. Giving from your heart brings joy and connectedness yet giving from expectations, leaves you frustrated and exhausted. The same goes for receiving. Receiving gracefully empowers the giver and deepens your connection.
This season, make room for receiving. Let go of control and let others have the fun of giving. Accept a compliment with a “thank you.” Allow a stranger to help you. Receive kind words from a loved one with grace. Receive a beautiful gift with heartfelt gratitude.
Be receptive, take it all in. You deserve it – every inch of it.
