Receiving

“Until we can receive with an open heart, we’re never really giving with an open heart.” ~Brene Brown

A lot has been written about “the law of abundance,” which suggests that everything you give comes back to you somehow. In short, givers get more than takers. Frugality has its merits, but a generous spirit is rewarded with an abundant slice of life.

Yet we don’t talk as much about receiving. This is where things can get tricky. For example, you might feel embarrassed if someone buys you an unexpected gift or does a great favor. You might stress over how to reciprocate. Or, worse yet, you might even take the gift for granted — without fully appreciating the kindness of the giver. As Brene Brown reminds us, the act of receiving with grace and gratitude also helps us learn to give sincerely. ~CL