I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re a nurturer, like me.
Nurturers desire to serve and lift others. We are givers.
Perhaps like me, you’ve always believed it is better to give than to receive. But what happens when the well runs dry and you have no more energy left to give?
Maybe you’ve experienced burnout from giving all your best efforts to your family or work. Perhaps you’re confused from knowing your service benefits others, but wonder why you get so weary and unhappy when you’re trying to do so much good.
It was after I experienced serving without replenishing that I learned how giving without receiving creates an unhealthy imbalance. That imbalance affects not only myself but also those whom I am trying to serve.
If you have ever felt frustrated by wanting to do something for someone you care about only to have your efforts rejected, then you know what I mean.
“Until we can receive with an open heart, we’re never really giving with an open heart. When we attach judgment to receiving help, we knowingly or unknowingly attach judgment to giving help.” Brene Brown.
Not being able to receive interrupts the natural flow of life.
The following example demonstrates this natural flow.
If all you ever did was breathe out, without taking a breath in, you would die. The receiving is as important as the giving.
“… when you receive, not only do you affirm your own worthiness and open the way for more, but you make possible even greater joys for the giver.” Mike Dooley
Are you one who finds it easier to give love than to receive love? To give a compliment rather than to receive a compliment? To give a gift rather than to receive a gift?
Or are you able to receive the caring service of others?
Remember this truth; The more you receive the more you have to give!
How much more effective your nurturing will be as you allow yourself to gratefully receive!
With love,
