
A loaf of bread and a lesson on ‘receiving’
The other day a friend of mine, who is taking baby steps in baking, got me a freshly baked loaf of bread. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am exceptionally fortunate when it comes to friends.
I’d have been fine with a slice or two, but she insisted I keep the entire loaf, ‘I baked it specially for the children,’ said she. I felt a little awkward but she insisted. After a bit of a back and forth and a promise that she’d charge me for it I accepted, with a heartfelt thank you. ‘I hope the children enjoy it,’ she added giving me a hug.
We are all a little awkward when it comes to receiving, aren’t we? I know I am. It’s like an obligation which, I feel, I have to repay. That’s the way I was brought up. The idea was ‘If you cannot repay a favour, don’t accept it.’
I grew up meticulously keeping hisaab, refusing favours and always remembering to give back if I did accept something. Receiving made me uncomfortable, a little smaller, perhaps.
We talk of giving all the time and I’m all for it, but isn’t receiving an equally important aspect? There has to be a balance of come kind, I presume. After all there can be no giving without receiving.
Five ways receiving enriches your life Click To TweetHere are five ways receiving enriches your life
- You form an instant connection. Accept a favour and see how quickly you form a bond with the giver.
- You give the other person the chance to feel good about themselves. Isn’t that just wonderful? That you’re bringing happiness to someone?
- Oh and conversely, you feel good about yourself too. The fact that someone wants to give you something reinforces your sense of self. After all who would want to give something to someone they don’t quite like?
- You learn humility because you’re accepting a favour.
- And you learn gratitude.
As moms, parents, adults we are used to giving all the time. It would do us good to sit back and receive for a change. So all of you out there:
- Receive help. Ask for it and accept it with gratitude.
- Receive compliments. A simple thank you without putting yourself down does it.
- Receive gifts, yeah why not?
Accept, without any thought of paying back, simply with an open heart full of gratitude and nothing else.
PS: In case you were wondering, the bread was absolutely scrumptious – soft, flavourful and ‘cinnamony’ with a mild sweetness and nuts and raisins that sprung a delicious surprise in each bite.
Perfect!
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