How is receiving part of your giving strategy?

A friend has been on an uphill journey.

No matter where you are stuck or overwhelmed, how does receiving, as well as giving, support your optimal health?

A member of her immediate family experienced a number of serious health issues, requiring them to move out of their long-time home and into temporary housing that provided more available medical assistance. It was important to do and they felt fortunate to have the housing available to them, yet it was chaos producing and disorienting.

The time came this past weekend to move again - this time to a permanent apartment that will be their home, moving forward.

Huge job. Lots of memories being jostled around, lots of un-knowing front and center, a ton of additional energy required to organize/pack/unpack/settle.

Yes, she has many friends and they supported her, as friends often do.

But here is the really interesting thing that happened...

She received their offers of assistance with a generosity of spirit that allowed each one of them "in" - she allowed them to help. And in doing so, she gave at the same time she was receiving. They all received a double dose of "feel good" hormones.

It's a two way street. When people offer their emotional support or muscle or organizing abilities or hugs, it not only heals the receiver, it scratches an emotional itch for the giver, as well.

By receiving graciously and whole-heartedly, she was giving to others, at the same time she was receiving.

How many times have you said, "Thank you, but I'm ok", or "I appreciate it, but I've got it covered."

Consider my friend's example and try on "Yes, please!" and "Here's what I would appreciate most..." or "Helping me with these three things would be so helpful."

When I remember that receiving is the other half of giving, it feels super healthy.

Make remembering to receive, as well as give, on a regular basis, a healthy habit.