Give - Personal Practice

This week has been a full of lessons for me, but one common theme kept coming up in each of the lessons.  Be giving and accept what you are given.

When I wanted a specific experience, I asked for it and my request was granted.  The request demanded time and money from another person.  They gave both to me freely.

When I let go of my perspective regarding how something should "look" and took time to listen to others, I opened up to their perspective and found myself being more giving.

When I needed a friend to listen and to be there for me at a moments notice.  I found their gift of time helped me to gain insight and a new perspective.  This made a difference to me as it kept me from being irrational.

When I asked for help in the upcoming future.  I asked not for an immediate and all or nothing answer.  I asked for consideration and any variation of help would be appreciated.  The response was more than I hoped and the gift of time given to me has put my mind at ease.

Now, this is not to say that there wasn't strife along the way or that my ego didn't rule here and there.

I asked for help along the way from another and was turned down.  I had thought it was a bit extreme in the denial of the request.  Then I reminded myself that I may not have the whole story and I am not in the position to judge.  With a positive attitude the end result was better than the original request denied.

Also in hindsight, I can see where my ego caused issue and where it helped.

I found others asking for time I could not give due to other commitments.  I had to say no and felt guilty about denying the request.  But to have tried to make it work would have caused additional stress and anxiety.  Simply a case of saying no and my accepting my own no.

I found another asking me to change future plans, but this would not have been good for my relationship with others and I value those relationships.  I denied the request.  This is still causing issue, but I have to accept that I can not please everyone.

I found myself wanting to guard my perspective and this caused heartache.  Then I decided my perspective was based on past experience and I could practice letting go of the past and opening up to a new approach.  This I still need to work on, but I've taken steps toward changing my perspective.

In conclusion, this past week has been a lot of give and take.  But isn't it always about that?  Isn't it always about finding balance?

Where I can.  I do choose to give!