Are You a Giver? What if...?
Let’s face it: many of us were feeling depleted before the pandemic even hit us. And now we’re looking at a long winter without many of our usual ways of coping, let alone thriving. To prepare for this time and even enjoy it, we may need some new tools or perspectives or to be reminded of some "oldies but goodies" we might've forgotten.
I'm thinking specifically about giving and receiving and the related issue of boundary-setting. As my youngest keeps reminding me, the holidays are coming - he has now officially started playing Christmas music to accompany his eggs in the morning. So, with the “season of giving” quickly approaching and as we start to imagine what it’s going to look like for us in this time of COVID, I invite you to join me in considering these questions.
What if we debunked some of the pervasive and unhelpful myths about giving and receiving?
And so, what if the following statements were true about giving and receiving?
Asking for help is usually a sign of strength.
Receiving help can actually make you more powerful.
There are people around you who would be delighted to help you!
And, they’d not only be delighted to help you – it would truly be a gift to them if you would receive their help!
It’s most powerful for you and the other person if you give to them in a way that actually nourishes you. (In other words, rather than being selfish or selfless when it comes to giving, be "otherish" and let the goodness flow both ways.)
What if these statements were true?
(And they are true, by the way. Have a look at this post for some of the research supporting them, from the game-changer book, Give and Take by Adam Grant.)
If they were true:
How would you give and receive differently? At home? At work? In the world?
What would be different for you, your family, your colleagues, the world, as a result?
These are the questions I’m asking myself again – they are worth revisiting regularly anyway and are even more important right now.
Together, let's find the opportunities for growth in this challenging time.
It's never too late to Make Room For You.
Photo by youssef naddam on Unsplash
