I was visiting with a friend who was lamenting about ‘bending over backwards’ for another women in need and was feeling used, betrayed and exhausted. It was a good reality check for me as I am such a big proponent of all the benefits of giving, I seldom talk about the flip side… is it possible to give too much? Absolutely. So in determining when enough is enough, reflect and remain mindful of your intention, motivation and expectation in giving. When taking the role of giver, check in with your motivations ~ are you giving with expectations of getting something in return, will the gift come with a big bow and ties of ‘you owe me?’ And is it okay that they also receive from others if they accept from you? Are you giving because you want to give or are you feeling pressured or guilty? Consider what it is you feel guilty about? Is it a belief system that you are not worthy of all your blessings? That your abundance limits others? Or that the poor shall inherit the earth and therefore it is more spiritual to be poor than rich, more blessed to give then receive?
I often speak of the balance in the Universe of giving and receiving and that we need to remain open to being on the receiving end. What I want to clarify in my ‘balanced Universe’ scenario is that it is globally, one does not necessarily receive the same amount back from the person you give to, in fact, it could be argued it is rarely the case. Yet coming from a place of a open and giving heart, not only will you feel good being able to help someone when they need it most, you will also find you are receiving blessings elsewhere (if you are not blocking them.) Give when it feels good to give and when it no longer feels good, stop. You are not obligated to continue to ‘rescue’ someone just because you have before. And if you are seeing it as a pattern, the real gift you may be able to give them is their independence to figure it out themselves.
A wonderful book called ‘The Go-Giver’ is a darling little parable that illustrates the giving process without strings. See Book Gab under Gab with Goddesses for more discussion.
A Grateful Goddess gives generously and receives graciously.
Are you balanced in giving and receiving or do you find yourself one-sided?
What are ways you have overcome the instinct to block receiving, whether it is in turning down a compliment or receiving a helping hand?
Shares some ways you have received graciously and felt the acceptance as a gift to the other? Or an instance where you gave to another and felt the true joy of being able to do so?
What realizations have you discovered about yourself in your expectations when you give?
Tis the season of giving, so be sure you are giving with a free and open heart and when the joy is plentiful!
I would love to hear your point of view, so please jot me a note below.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on giving. They resonate with me.
In the last year I made a very conscious effort to remember to be grateful – to thank and express gratitude for the helpful hand and kindness of others. In a way it began as an experiment. I wanted to see if being deliberate and attuned to what I am receiving from others – in the myriad of forms in which efforts appear- would make a difference in my life. I found I receive help and kindness each and every day – throughout the day.
Giving and Receiving is such a beautiful exchange. I have seen people completely change their attitude because of the expression of gratitude. Sometimes people “give” because “they have to” and you can see it in their demeanor. Sometimes people give freely and wholly. No matter. When heartfelt thanks is given, one receives another gift – a smile, a friendly gesture, a friendly nod. It inspires me to continue pursuit of gracious gratitude.
So very true, Jo, thank you so much for sharing your insights. What I love most is how you are really present in your giving and receiving — very deliberate, meaning paying attention/being aware, staying present and realizing it is always there, yet we need to be present to see the beauty of all the miracles around us each and every day. Your message is a true gift to me, thank you for expressing yourself so beautifully.
What’s up, constantly i used to check webpage posts here
early in the morning, because i like to gain knowledge of more and more.
Do not squander your cash on poor replacements for 100% Organic Garcinia
Cambogia Extract.
When I originally commented I seem to have clicked
the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment
is added I get 4 emails with the same comment.
There has to be a way you are able to remove
me from that service? Thank you!
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?
I think other site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and fantastic user
friendly style and design, as well as the content.
You are an expert in this topic!