This is the corollary to give the gift of you.  Sometimes we give to others; other times, we receive.  Many of us shy away from the receiving side of the coin.  We’re better at giving than receiving.  We learned it at a young age, it’s better to give than to receive.  If that is you, it’s important to learn to receive with warmth and graciousness.

Receiving can sometimes feel like losing control.  You are a practiced giver.  Besides, you are strong and can fend for yourself; it’s what you do.  To receive means to step back and appreciate another person’s thoughtfulness.

Picture a well-travelled, super independent 80-year old woman.  She’s travelled with her family to her grandson’s college graduation.  Finally, they arrive at the hotel.  She leaps out of the car to hug her grandson who awaited her arrival.  She then allows that grandson the privilege of bringing her suitcase into the hotel.  She could have managed her suitcase; she knows it and her grandson knows it.  Instead, however, her grandson feels good being able to do a tiny thing for her.  She allows that with warmth and grace, making it a special moment between them.

We can receive thoughtfulness in many forms.  There are compliments or the lending of a hand; there is the delivery of a meal while you are ill or a pile of condolence cards following the loss of a loved one.

Receive a compliment with a smile and a thank you.  We’re not talking about platitudes.  Here, we are speaking of genuine compliments where someone has noticed something specific about you.  Your hair is lovely.  You have a terrific smile.  Your speech inspired me. 

Don’t brush a compliment off.  They aren’t commitments; rather, they are a thoughtful gesture.  Acknowledge the person who made the compliment with a warm smile and a thank you. 

Receive thoughtful assistance with warmth.  Yes, you are capable.  Thoughtful help is not meant to diminish you.  It’s a given that you are capable.  Instead, assistance is a thoughtful gesture from another.  It might be a meal delivered while you are doing chemo or an offer to shovel the snow from your front walk – one person doing for another.