You better get this right
/You have only one job to do this week.
Warning, it may be treacherous, fraught with second-guessing, guilt, disappointment, and sudden, uncontrollable overwhelm. No matter. You're gonna have to do it anyway.
What's more, it's good for you.
I'm talking about receiving.
Most of us will be the lucky recipients of at least one gift this week, from homemade cookies and heart-felt holiday wishes to packages tied up with shiny red bows.
Judging by the looks on the people's faces I've seen so far, there's a lot more tied up with those packages too: Your thoughts on the giver, their opinions of you, your worry about what you gave (or didn't give) them, and the history of your entire relationship. Holy moly.
That's why I'm here with a friendly reminder.
All of this - ALL OF THIS - is about love.
Everything you think this is about truly doesn't matter. Don't get me wrong, it may feel like it does and your feelings are important, but this season of giving is about receiving.
This is about you receiving love.
I'm not asking you to do this for everything you get:
But I am asking you to see the person, every person, in front of you as someone sharing love With You in the best way they know how. Every person is telling and showing you how special you are to them, and no matter who they are or what's happened in the past...
You're getting love, damnit! You better accept it!
Another thing. I bet you are so good at giving.
We A-student strivers tend to focus on what we send out into the world, and may not realize we are denying the people in our lives the same joy we feel when we give by not taking time to see what they have for us. It can feel new, awkward, uncomfortable, selfish to get a gift -- gasp, even if you have nothing for them in return -- and really receive it.
That's what I'm asking you to do. Big girl and boy pants time. See and feel the love others have for you, and Take It In. Look them in the eyes, say thank you, and mean it.
If you need a little more assistance, I've written about receiving before. Here are two oldie-but-goodie blog posts for your reading pleasure.
Getting what you want is about receiving
Receiving is also basically the whole first chapter of my new book, SIMPLY LEAP. Grab your copy here, on Amazon or Kindle.
Wishing you, and all the people who love you the best way they know how, a happy and healthy holiday season.
You deserve it!