Gift Givers & Receivers

I was doing my guided meditation with Deepak Chopra yesterday, and it was very timely to our Christmas holiday: it was about learning to receive the gifts that life gives you. Many of us are all too familiar with the phrase "tis better to give than receive." Likewise, we are also familiar with giving and giving and giving until we are depleted.

For me, during this pregnancy, being comfortable with receiving is something I had to do really quickly. From hand-me-down clothing for maternity wear and kids' clothing to bassinets and advice and even services, I have been receiving a lot of unexpected gifts from friends and family. It was a little overwhelming at first, and I thought, "oh my goodness, how will I ever be able to repay this kindness?!" I wasn't yet comfortable with the notion of just being on the receiving end.

In my meditation, Chopra talked about giving and receiving being two sides of the same cosmic coin. It is a cycle. For many people, the holidays can be a tough time filled with emotion for many reasons, both happy and sad. It can make either giving or receiving an arduous process, so this was the perfect way to be reminded to take in the joy of either giving or receiving.

I loved this reminder I got yesterday and I wanted to have the opportunity to share it with all of you because sometimes we all need a little nudge. If you are receiving, be thankful. Don't shut people out from giving, and don't think that they expect anything in return because most people who are giving are doing so with a grateful heart. I have never once given a gift in the hope that I will receive one back (at least, not as an adult, anyway!) When I give, it because I am happy and I want to share that with someone else.

In the same vein, if you are giving a gift, you probably are already receiving something in return, and that's joy. Don't give out of obligation at the holidays, or any time, because it defies self care. Give because you feel like giving and because it enriches your life and allows you to share that richness with others.

The holidays for me are a feeling--a season--and they are about community and family and love. When we are comfortable receiving from those who love us, it makes the giving so much more joyful. I hope you and your family (whether relatives or friends) have a wonderful holiday season filled with love.