Take Care of You by Receiving this Gift

Have you ever realized how hard it is to take care of you when you don’t make it a priority? There’s always “stuff” to be done. Kids need rides. The house gets dirty. Groceries get eaten. But what about you? How much do you make taking care of you a priority? It needs to be a conscious decision or it flat out won’t happen! Something more important will come up. I’ve written volumes about the importance of self-care here and how it’s not a selfish act, so I won’t beat that dead horse again.

What I want to share with you today is about the importance of accepting support when it’s offered as a way to take care of you. Let me explain…

We have the opportunity to receive support all the time. But it usually makes us uncomfortable. You have dinner with a friend and she tells the server it will be one check and tells you she’s buying your meal. Did your stomach just clench hearing that?

Or how about the friend who calls you and asks if she can take your kids for a while so you and your husband can have a date night? I know, I know… your knees just got weak and your cheeks are still red.

Why do we do this to ourselves? These are genuine offers of support from people who love us. It’s not like you are imposing! You never asked!! They just offered! I’m just as guilty as the next person. I recently had an experience where a woman went out of her way to help me and continues to. The last time she did it, I felt guilty for accepting her help because I didn’t want her to think I was taking advantage of her. But, I never asked for her help and I certainly didn’t expect her to continue. She just continues because it’s a form of service for her.

That was a big “aha” moment for me. I’ve taught before about the importance of receiving things when they come in our lives. They are blessings and when we refuse them, it hurts the other person. They genuinely wanted to give you something and you said “No!” What happens when you do that over and over again? People stop offering and then you find yourself complaining that nobody ever helps you!

I’ve been VERY blessed over this past month to have 3 women whom I really admire and respect, just offer to help me. Was it hard to accept? Yep! Because my pride got in the way. But let me tell you, their help has had an incredible impact on me over the past few weeks. I’m more peaceful about an area I’ve struggled with for long time than I have been for YEARS! I’m also hopeful because they’ve helped me look at it differently and I know I can handle the situation differently than I have in the past. They’ve equipped me with new tools and a new vision.

So here’s your challenge for the week: I want you to pay close attention whenever someone offers you something. I don’t care how simple it is. It might be a piece of gum, holding the door for you or picking your kids up from school. What feelings do these little acts of kindness elicit in you? Be present in them and take a look at them. My guess is you’ll see it’s pride. You don’t want to look needy. But remember! You never asked! They just offered. Now be polite, my dear one, and say “Thank you” as you receive what they’ve offered!

Be sure to share below what you’ve experienced. How has accepting that support changed your experience of receiving and allowed you to take care of you better. Have a great week!