Daily life. We sleep, eat, learn, work, enjoy recreational time, visit with others, and are involved in our community. We care for the youngest amongst us and for the eldest amongst us. We give back. We push forward. We forge on with our quest to spiritually evolve. But there is one thing most of us put at the bottom of our list. And for some of us it somehow does not even make it on the list. Self- Care. Self-care is not just important. It is vital. We need to balance sleep and rest, even to just zone out, chill, do some relaxin'. We need to chillax. But if we were being honest we do not give ourselves permission for this self-care. The care that we insist others take we do not allow for ourselves. We make excuses for overdoing it. We just want "it" done, we tidy up so we do not have to look at "it". Because "it" will bother us knowing "it" is there while we are sitting down, knowing if we get up "just one more time" and put that "one thing" away -that "it" that feels as though is staring at us- we will be able to relax better otherwise it will drive us nuts looking at "it". Excuses. We all have them. "Just sit down, I'll take care of that. Oh, here, let me help you. Well, I am walking by it I might as well... (pick it up and put it away, toss it into the washing machine/garbage) because he/she/they must have missed seeing it lying there so I will do it. I cannot stand the mess. I do this "for me". It is an "It Is Better To Give Than To Receive" We have all heard this saying since we were young children. We even have repeated it over the years or decades ourselves. We believe it, wholly. So we give. And then we give some more. It is a selfless act. It is considered an honorable act. We must be givers and therefore to accept is looked down upon. Or is it? You and I were taught how to give. But, were you taught how to (comfortably) receive? In order for others to give..... you must be willing to receive. So not only learn how to give to yourself but learn to allow others to give to you. Accept it graciously and with thanks. You not only deserve it but...more importantly, you need it. This is an important lesson and step we all need to learn and take in order to care for ourselves as well as we care for others. But what to do about those who take and take and take? We must also learn to not allow this to happen. This is an important lesson of Self-Care as well. And one we absolutely need to enact in order to be wholistic (holistic). Not putting a stop to this keeps an imbalance within and without ourselves and them. Saying no to others who exercise entitlement too strongly, who take more than their share, who are too lazy and rely upon others to do it for them are not givers and boundary lines need to be firmly established. Practice saying "No". You will be doing it not only for yourself, but for them as well. Allowing them to keep taking keeps an imbalance not only within yourself but in them as well. So you see setting boundaries and saying no is giving the other person a great gift! - You cannot go about seeking peace, balancing your chakras, evolve, and be happy and healthy on all levels if this part of you is constantly pouring out to others without filling yourself back up again. It cannot happen if you do not allow others to fill you back up through giving to you. And when you are given to and have allowed yourself to receive, it is not necessary to give back each time. Think of it this way: you give a birthday or house-warming gift to someone. They send you a thank you card then you send them a card back thanking them for thanking you. See? You just over-gave instead of allowing yourself to receive. Another one: You are given a gift for your birthday or someone bought your lunch. "Oh you shouldn't have" is your response. Then you feel obligated to give back or give that person money, or to leave the tip.
Just accept their graciousness with a heartfelt "thank you" and be grateful in your heart. You deserved that person's kindness and generosity. Just accept it and enjoy it. If you do not allow them this, you risk making them feel awkward. Allow them the freedom to give by you receiving! And that, my friend,... ...is the greatest gift you can give one another.
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AuthorMarina Liaros Naples Archives
April 2022
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