“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” – Hebrews 13:16

“In all things, I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver “ – 2 Corinthians 9:7

If you’re a Christian, You grew up with these verses and more as references to the power of giving.

But do you allow yourself to receive?

Sometimes in the name of being good, we forget to be good to ourselves.

We put so much energy into helping others that we fail to be there for ourselves.

This does not “wish away” our needs, it just pushes us to deny them or worse – we break down.

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Does that make receivers any less?

…to give requires someone to receive, so that someone, it must be better to receive at that point.

You’ve been taught how to give, and we’ve been an example in that aspect, but we’re learning also – as you should that we should be able to receive things  as well.

 

G.R.A.C.E.F.U.L.L.Y

 

Why do we find it hard to receive?

Because receiving involves vulnerability. When you give, you feel in charge. When you receive, you feel empowered by someone else.

Giving and receiving are yin and yang, two sides of the same coins – they need each other to exist. Both are crucial to the larger whole.

But how many times have you brushed away a compliment, a gift or denied someone an opportunity to be blessed by refusing a random act of kindness

 

It could be

 

• When you receive a  compliment; you counter with a comment about your imperfection. Example – Someone says “you’re beautiful;” and you reply “with my big nose?.. Ahbegi”

 

• A gift; you immediately feel the need to give something in return, preferably bigger.

 

• Kindness; you don’t allow people to help you even when you need the help. Just so it doesn’t bruise your ego

 

You can go through so much in life and have no idea that like giving, receiving is a skill

 

And one that requires you to keep practicing.

Receiving also means you can give more easily: by learning to refill your own needs through receiving.

The Subtle Art of Receiving is about being able to receive without feeling obligated or indebted.

How to Receive

 

“Appreciation is an excellent thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us, as well.” ~Voltaire

While we are on the topic of receiving, There’s such a thing as being an ungrateful receiver.

As a foundation, this is something we have also seen in different shades, shapes and forms

Countless people bemoan the absence of grateful receivers.

The little “Thank yous” seem to be a relic of the past and expressions of gratitude are often followed by a sea of complaints about what is wrong with the gift or how it was not sent to spec.

When you get back nothing or little in response to what you give, it’s natural to feel resentful.

And when something is not received well— a gift, or a compliment— it’s noticed!

So here are two top tips to the subtle art of receiving…

 

 

1. Notice what people do for you and thank them.

A simple expression of gratitude is one of the ways that we give back to the giver.

 

It feels good for our giving to be received and it makes us want to give again!

 

2. Accept Compliments.

When someone pays you a compliment, do you brush aside what they are saying about you?

If you’re uncomfortable accepting compliments, people would stop giving you compliments or offering to help.

Receiving something as simple as a compliment is a huge statement about your willingness to receive the good things in life.(even from the Universe)

Life is a marathon, and through all of life’s ups and downs, there are people who help make the journey a little brighter and a lot more fun.

When you show your appreciation, when you respond graciously to compliments, offers of help, gifts

You not only strengthen your relationship bonds, you create a life where people want to give to you as much as you give to them.

You create a two-way street, giving sometimes and receiving at other times.

Allow others to help you with grace.

Let others have the fun of giving

Feeling inspired… Here’s your chance to give

 

PS: If you feel we’ve given you or helped you in any way. We’d love to RECEIVE some compliments in the comment sections, Tag us the bird app, follow us on instagram and share something with us

 

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