Giving is a key part of every person’s life. Many times we are inspired to give and we give unreservedly – our time, energy, money, etc. We discover that our ultimate purpose in life is to give. To give is joy and our soul is nourished eventually. However, while we understand giving has its benefits, why is it at times we feel tired and want to stop giving or perhaps convince ourselves that it might not be worth it after all because we feel so emotionally, spiritually and physically drained. Do you have this experience at any one time?
And as I ask myself this question too, universe seems to hear me emphatically and provides me the very answer I need to hear. I came upon an article from Leeza Gibbons, an Emmy-winning TV/radio personality and co-author of the care-giving book “Take Your Oxygen First” and learned that giving does not necessary dry us up. Giving can be truly uplifting when we apply the following formula:
- Breathe: You can’t give others your time and energy unless you give the same to yourself too. We sometimes need to slow down and prioritize our own needs in order to be in the best possible condition to give to others. It means “Take Your Oxygen First”.
- Believe: Know that your efforts of giving will be enough. Believe that you know how to give better, where to give, and how you can achieve the greatest impact.
- Receive: Everyone has limits, and there will be days when you feel that you just can’t do it anymore. LET GO! Sometimes you need to stop achieving and start receiving. A generous giver is an excellent receiver.
It is indeed true to breathe first! I recalled during my trip to Switzerland, before the plane took off, we were guided through a pre-flight safety demonstration on a video. It mentioned that we put the oxygen masks on ourselves first before helping our loved ones. Taking the time to breathe, believe and receive is a great start to acknowledging our needs and accepting strength and support and getting refresh. It is about getting past our ego that binds us in our shadow refusing to step back and let go of our need to be the one giving all the time. Letting go does not mean we are weak. Only by letting go, can we return to our being and fuel ourselves with power – to expand our giving potential and be able to give much more without being drained.
