Giving

It was joyous to return to providing my therapies face to face once again. It does me the world of good too. In the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi it says, “It is in giving that we receive”. How true that has felt this week.

 
I love this idea. My life never runs more smoothly than when I am open, generous and kind. When I give more freely of my time, my love, my attention, my resources then this is what I see all around me. It seems to reflect back. Also when I let go of expectation and the fear of missing out, my mind opens to the endless creativity of possibilities that lay before me. In other words, if it goes “wrong”, instead of crushing disappointment anger and blame it’s easier to think of another idea or see other opportunities.  I can cultivate resourcefulness, learn new skills or simply see the love in others. It is a life-long lesson I am working on.

The Old Me used to rush around thinking, “I’ve only got 5 minutes!” and then spend 5 minutes wasting time clock watching and draining my mental energy. Now I try, “Ah, a whole 5 minutes” and then somehow I seem to get much more accomplished.  All I’ve done is given myself some mental breathing space but it transforms my perception and gives me so much more: calm, productivity, a better attitude.
When we give we must remember to give to ourselves foremost. If I don’t give myself time, love, forgiveness, understanding then how can I give what I haven’t got.