1-22-23 I was recently involved in a group discussion around giving and receiving. Most of the people said they were big givers and not as capable of receiving. Does that ring true for you, too? If so, you might want to re-think that because receiving is a vital component of the circle of energy. Think about breathing in and out…one isn’t more important than the other; you can’t do one without the other and keep living.

I’ve always been a big giver and happily, now, I am big on giving AND receiving. I’ve learned the hard way, by losing a few valued friendships, that when I give without allowing the other person an avenue to give as well, resentments can build up. If I’m unwilling to receive, how can I expect others to receive? When I can’t, I’m not being a very good model, am I? That’s also important to me – I take to heart the phrase, “I am the change I wish to see in the world”.

 As I have learned to receive, I’ve really had to exercise my deserving muscle and let in my worthiness. It’s amazing how many limiting and disempowering thoughts I unearthed when I started examining this issue. Giving feels good to me, and as I learned to receive, I realized how good it also feels to open up to others’ caring and acts of appreciation. It also feels good to know that I am giving them a huge gift in allowing their giving.

The best thing about giving and receiving is realizing that both are going on at the very same time. There is absolutely no space between the two. Every single time I give, I’m receiving so much. Every single time I’m a receiver I am giving away a gift, too. Wahoo, now that’s connection within a web of Love!

Balanced giving and receiving is true abundance. As I give from a purer heart and am willing to be on the receiving end as well, I find that the flow of Life’s giving blesses me as well. Now I’m living the dream. I believe it was always there, as all the gifts of Life are, but until I stopped blocking it, how could I experience it? Stew and I have a motto now – “Don’t offer us anything if you don’t want us to take it – because we will!” How big a receiver do you want to be? Today is a good day...and I make it so!