So one of my oldest and dearest friends has had some health issues recently. We’ve all been there. As if you don’t feel crappy enough without the guilt of seeing the dishes stack up and hearing the laundry pile call your name. To top it off, people want to drop by and see how you’re doing. They mean well, they love you and want to offer their support. They don’t care about the disorder but I know that when it’s me in the sick bed I don’t want people to see my mess.

I told my boys I was headed to see how our friend was doing and to help tidy her house or throw in her laundry. They were immediately on board. I love that about them. So I visited my friend who I love so much, threw in her laundry, reorganized her pantry and the boys mowed her lawn (even pooper scooped her dog…er…poop) and entertained her toddler. We had a great visit. I wasn’t the only one who’d offered this help. She’d already had other friends come in and give her kitchen a spit shine and bring in food. She’s had no shortage of friends who’ve stepped up to support her in whatever way they were able.

This story isn’t only about sending some kindness to someone who could use it. It is about someone who could use it accepting that kindness. Our ego is always in the background whispering little words that make us feel less than. Swelling our pride to the point that these kind gestures hang unclaimed. Why is accepting help so difficult? I have been the guiltiest of this. I have never been good at receiving. It seems ridiculous that I’ve let my ego cheat me out of a warm cup of homemade soup when I’m sick. Or a free load of laundry (which is ironic considering how much time I spend avoiding my laundry pile!). It’s something that I’m working towards.

I am grateful to my friend for allowing us to help. Nothing feels better than giving a gift. We hand it over and wait eagerly for the recipient to open that gift. To see their face light up. To know that they appreciate the gesture. It feels sooooo great, doesn’t it? My kids felt good about what they’d done. They wanted to give a gift to someone they cared about. For her. For them.

There are loads of people out there full of love and generosity that are searching for the opportunity to share it. If it’s your turn, if you are the one who needs it, be a good receiver. It’s an energetic exchange. You are returning the favor by accepting their good intentions and giving them the gift of gratitude. Both of you will be inspired to spread more kindness into the world. By refusing, that flow of energy behind the gesture smashes like fine china on a brick wall. The shards are all that are left of something truly special. The receiver has missed an opportunity and the giver will be reluctant to extend those kindnesses again. There are two, equally important parts to a gift. We should be exceptional at both of them.

I’ll work on it if you will.

Xo

Daina