GENEROSITY
…is both the giving and the receiving,
for there cannot be one without the other
How often do we live our lives forgetting about the receiving side of generosity? Given many of us were brought up being taught “It is better to give than to receive”, probably a fair amount.
But actually it’s not better to give than to receive – they’re the two sides of the generosity coin and are both needed equally for true generosity to exist.
I think sometimes we mistake receiving for taking, which are in fact two very different things. Generosity is present in receiving, where it is absent in taking. Receiving enhances, while taking diminishes. Receiving actually gives something to the giver, whereas taking gives nothing at all.
I’m not saying here you should go around receiving things you don’t really want – saying, “Thanks I’d love a cup of coffee!” when you can’t stand the stuff.
I’m saying that when someone does give you something you want it’s very ok to be happy about it, and to show that you’re happy about it. That’s what receiving generously is all about – truly appreciating what you’ve received.
In the end, generosity is less about the giving and receiving than it is about the joy created and love expressed on both sides – think about children on Christmas morning and you’ll know what I mean.
Intention For The Week
Receive as generously as a child and give as generously as you receive.
Simple Empowerment Steps
- If you’ve not seen the movie ‘Pay It Forward’ I highly recommend watching it – it’s a very inspiring!
- Receive with appreciation, and notice how that appreciation affects the giver.
Tags: generosity, generous, give, Inspiration, receive