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Do you have an easier time giving than receiving? At Thanksgiving attention typically turns to turkey (or tofu) and gratitude.
Paradoxically, giving thanks spotlights your ability to receive. The reason for this is that gratitude requires opening yourself to receiving. If you’re like many of us you may not always feel deserving. It’s easy to get caught thinking its better to give than get.
Here's the tip. Check out if you’re ready to take in gifts from others. If yes, be prepared. Focusing on receiving may bring up feelings of low self worth. This is normal. Be tender with yourself. Consider the possibility that you deserve to receive just by being born – it’s your birthright!
Next, practice receiving by giving to yourself. Start by giving yourself the gift of self acceptance. Whenever you accept yourself as is, you'll automatically feel more deserving. Also, spend some time with children, animals and nature. Their gifts are easy to receive.
Finally, when you receive, you actually give others the joy of giving. Don’t be stingy. Allowing yourself to gratefully receive enables you to experience a loving, joyous connection to yourself, others and life itself. Happy thanks giving and receiving!
Penelope Young Andrade LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist with over 35 years experience integrating the best of traditional and alternative approaches for bodymind transformation. www.penelopetalk.com 858-481-5752 penart@abac.com
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