Are you a giver or a taker?
We always hear that it’s better to give than to receive.
But is it? There can be no giving without receiving.
Think about it for a minute.
When was the last time you gave?
It could be your time, your money, or your energy.
It felt good to give, didn’t it?
But what if the person you gave it to didn’t receive it?
How would that feel?
To have your gift rejected?
Your money refused?
Your energy declined?
I’ve spent a lot of time lately thinking about my ability to receive.
Others want to give and serve and help.
And when I refuse it, I deprive them of the opportunity to feel good.
There are so many reasons why we don’t receive:
Embarrassment, shame, and fear top the list.
What would people say if I accepted help?
Would they think less of me?
Sometimes we think we have to be able to do it all ourselves,
That if we can’t, there’s something wrong with us.
"It's better to give than to receive." Let me put this as elegantly as possible: "What a crock!" That statement is total hogwash, and in case you haven't noticed, it's usually propagated by people and groups who want you to give and them to receive. The whole idea is ludicrous. What's better, hot or cold, big or small, left or right, in or out? Giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin. Whoever decided that it is better to give than to receive was simply bad at math. For every giver their must be a receiver, and for every receiver there must be a giver." ~ T. Harv Eker
What if receiving was the bigger virtue?
What if our challenge, having learned how to give, is learning how to receive?
And do so both graciously and generously.
It can be something as small as a compliment.
Allowing someone to sweep the floor.
A ride to a medical appointment.
An unexpected gift.
Historically I’ve had a hard time receiving -
But I’ve learned doing so strengthens my relationships.
I have a friend who is so busy, we never are able to get together
So when I really want to see her, I reach out to ask for help.
Not only does she reply quickly, She is always so happy to give.
”I’m so glad you thought of me as someone who could help.”
As you begin your week, consider how much capacity you have to receive.
And what a difference it could make in your life.
And for those around you.
Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week. And know that I’m always here to support you and answer questions you have along the way!
What is easier for you: giving or receiving?
What makes it easier?
What feelings do you get when you’re able to give?
What feelings does receiving bring up in you?
How might receiving impact your relationships?
What could you do to be a better receiver?
One Journaling Idea I Love:
How far back can you remember?
Play a game with your journal called How far back can you remember? Spend some time thinking back. What are your earliest memories? Record the stories from your childhood - from the every day to the holidays. What were the special moments you treasured? Who were the special people who shared them with you?
You can play this game over and over to see what comes to you each time.
More Good Stuff
I’ll be busting journaling myths on my Livestream this week - what they are, how they’re helpful, how to choose the right ones for you. Tune in on Tuesday night at 8 pm Eastern on LinkedIn, YouTube, or Facebook.
My next journaling mini-retreat is on Wednesday, March 22 at 7:30 pm Eastern. Register for this free event HERE.
If you’re curious to learn more about how I can help you use journaling to achieve your goals and to live a life you don’t want a vacation from, let’s have a conversation!
Happy Journaling!
So much to think about here, Amanda - I'd never considered giving and receiving as being in equilibrium, but of course - that makes perfect sense. Thank you for getting me to think about this - which I'll be doing for a while! 😊