The Silent Power of Giving and Receiving

We’re on a roll here, so let me share a little insight with my dear readers. I’m addicted to writing—not just blogs, books, and songs, but I also journal every day. This habit started after my first burnout. However, for the past month and a half, I haven’t been writing. I kept postponing it until it felt overwhelming. Yesterday, I finally picked up my pen and began writing again. This week, my blog ideas have been flowing effortlessly. I’m constantly inspired to write about topics and experiences, both past and recent. I feel blessed to have met people who have taught me valuable lessons.

Not long ago, I met someone who radiated joy and positive energy. Our conversations were deep and meaningful, covering topics we both care about. This person was refreshingly honest and real, qualities I used to distance myself from out of fear of being let down. But here, I’ve met people who genuinely care and support each other, even when mistakes are made.

This brings me to the topic of Giving and Receiving. You’re either a giver or a receiver. All my life, I’ve been a giver. I share even when I have little to give. I’d rather fall together than watch those around me fall. There are two types of givers:

• Giver 1: Gives with the expectation of getting something in return.
• Giver 2: Gives purely out of the desire to give.

Many people claim to be Giver 2, but often, they are Giver 1. They might eventually remind you of all they’ve done for you, expecting something in return. That’s not true giving—that’s expecting an exchange.

I give because it makes me happy to see others happy. I give because I love making people smile. I give because it gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Giving isn’t just about money or things; it’s about time and effort. It comes naturally to me and doesn’t drain my energy. However, receiving is a different story…

Throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded by Giver 1s, who would throw their deeds back at me. This has made it hard for me to trust other givers, even though I am one myself. I’ve only felt comfortable receiving when I could give something back.

Recently, I’ve met more people who are genuine givers, like me. They give because they want to, not because they expect something in return. This makes me uncomfortable, but I am grateful for it. Every time they give, I feel the urge to return the favor or express that I can’t repay them.

So here I am, feeling uneasy about receiving but also incredibly thankful. Sometimes, you meet the right people who add value to your life and reflect the value you bring.

Writing this reminds me of what my therapist said a few years ago. She taught me a metaphor to help me ask for things and accept compliments:

“Imagine it’s your parent’s birthday. You take the bus to the city to buy them a present. You visit different stores and finally spend f/€/$ 50 on the perfect gift. You worked hard for this money and barely had enough to buy it, but you did it out of love. You have it beautifully wrapped with a bow. When you give it to them, they say, ‘No thanks, I don’t want it.’”

No one actually says that when receiving a gift. But when someone tells you, “You’re beautiful,” and you respond with, “Nah, I look horrible today,” you’re essentially rejecting their compliment and saying their opinion doesn’t matter.

And that, my beloved readers, is a lesson I’ve felt deeply.