We understand the virtue of giving, in fact we feel good about having done something for someone. Yet, when it comes to receiving, we often find ourselves putting up invisible barriers from accepting help. It is not that we don’t value other people’s support, and we even know that they come from a space of care for us. We are happy to give, yet not as happy to receive assistance. It will serve us well to reflect on the simple truth of life – our growth lies as much in receiving as it does in giving.

Receiving is not a sign of weakness or inadequacy. It is a deeper understanding of life that even though we strive to give and be independent, we are all interdependent. When we open ourselves up to being as comfortable in receiving as we are in giving, we start experiencing life very differently.

It breaks our ego, knowing that we don’t always have the answers and someone else’s role in our life helps us achieve what we want to. Receiving makes us humble.

It builds gratitude for everything that is in place, knowing that many have played a role. Deep down we realise the value of having wonderful people in our life. Receiving makes us grateful and deepens relationships.

It opens our minds to thoughts and ideas that we may never have considered by ourselves. The quality of our decisions changes because we have changed from being closed to being open about receiving. Receiving gives us perspective.

There is no virtue in saying ‘I don’t need help, I can manage on my own’; that may well be our stubbornness. There is no greatness in living in mental isolation and believing that we know best all the time; that may well be our ego. There is no need to fear people who care for us getting close to us; that may well be our insecurity.

A tree can only give oxygen because it receives carbon dioxide. A plant can only flower and fruit because it receives water and sunlight. When understood correctly, true giving and receiving are expressions of love. Our greatness is not just in the generosity with which we give, but also in the grace with which we allow ourselves to receive.

(Picture – My favourite Sunflowers brightening our home, which a friend regularly sends and I happily receive)