As I look back over my life it may come as a surprise to many to hear that some of my most challenging times were during the process of transitioning from a life of abundance and comfort to a life of scarcity and struggle.

Being a giver from a position of abundance for so many years made it extremely tough to be on the receiving end.  The acceptance of gifts and other various gestures of kindness from others has been an extremely hard pill to swallow but the water of wisdom has made the process more bearable.

Putting pride aside and letting the “E-Go” has made a world of difference and a genuine expression of gratitude also opened me up to receive more.  The surprising aha moment came when I realized that accepting gifts and gestures of kindness from others actually gives the giver an opportunity to be a blessing to you.  So as a result, the act of giving and receiving creates a win-win situation.

I realize that saying “Yes” to a hand-out may be tough especially for men, but saying “Yes” to a hand-up is much more doable.  It’s all about perspective.  So I say to you today, go ahead and allow those friends and family members and even perfect strangers around you to flex their giving muscles by being a blessing to you with their time, talent or treasures.  Just smile BIG and simply say “Thank You” and never forget that your duty and obligation is not to necessarily pay it back, but to pay it forward.  The giver would be nothing without those in need.  🙂

Let’s all give and receive until it hurts as we continue in our efforts to make it GREAT!

The Book:  “Make it GREAT”
www.MakeItGreatNOW.com