Categories: awareness, compliment, forgiveness, love, passion, worth

I used to have a theory that if I gave 100%, and I received 125% back in return, that I couldn’t really accept the extra 25%. Where did it come from, who needs it more than me, aren’t I taking more than I deserve? If I’ve given 100%, and I receive it more - I have no room to store it and therefore I can’t have it, I don’t deserve it, and essentially I need to reject it.

I’m not talking about a refill of my coffee. I’m talking about being a grateful recipient of love. Of compassion. Of forgiveness. Of blessings. Of gifts. Of smiles. Of patience.

Here’s how I used to be in the past. I give you 100% of my love. You, in return, give me my love back, and you add in an extra 25%. I would graciously accept your return gift, but that extra 25% I would reject. Not because I didn’t want it - but I didn’t feel I was worth it. I had no where to store it. I had my 100% and that was that.

Here’s my new equation. I give you 100% love, and you give me that 125% of love in return. I now have the choice reject that extra love, or accept it. I can choose to accept the extra love, and in order to do that, my capacity for love must grow and expand to fit the size of your love.

Where do I find that capacity? Well, partially I am removing my capacity for anger, hate, upset, frustration and creating the space for love and other gifts that you have for me. Also, I get to practice accepting your gift of love without giving you anything in return. See, I used to think that in order to get love, I also had to give it away. Although giving is great, it’s often just enough to receive - in doing so you give another the opportunity to give (which is, in a way, a gift).

Homework:

This holiday season, give the gift of love. If you forgot to get the right present, or don’t have enough money to purchase gifts, or want to reject the notion of material possessions, or simply want to practice something new this year - give love. Give passion. Give a hug. Give eye contact and a smile. Give understanding. Imagine how your life would change if you just had more of those things.

peace and love to you and yours,

Joseph Lyons

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