The Courage to Receive
As we start another December, much of our focus is on the act of giving. Finding the perfect gift is such a big part of this time of year that we rarely stop to question it. But lately, I’ve been thinking about the other side of this equation: receiving. Unlike giving, which we can control, receiving puts us in a more vulnerable position. And yet, there’s no giving without receiving, is there?
Receiving is simply the act of accepting something that is offered. Yes, this can mean a gift, but it also includes things like help, support, love, care, and gratitude. To truly receive, we must be open to letting these things into our world. It requires us to acknowledge our limits and trust someone else to step in. In doing so, we allow ourselves to be seen—our needs, our hopes, our humanity—and we invite the giver into our lives in a meaningful way.
This is why the best gifts aren’t about their price or usefulness. The best gifts make us feel known, understood, and seen. Conversely, receiving a thoughtless or impersonal gift from someone we care about can feel unsettling. It’s not about the gift itself; it’s about what it reflects—or doesn’t—about our connection.
Culturally, we’re often taught that self-sufficiency is the ultimate goal. Independence is seen as a rite of passage, and needing help or accepting support can feel like a step backward. As a result, many of us hesitate to ask for or receive help, fearing we’ll be seen as a burden or weak.
But this mindset overlooks something important: the joy we feel when we help others. Think about the last time you supported someone you care about—whether it was offering advice, running an errand, or just being there to listen. Chances are, it made you feel connected, valued, and needed.
Receiving creates the same opportunity for connection. When we allow someone to show up for us, we deepen trust and strengthen our relationships. It’s a way of saying, “I trust you enough to let you see me.”
Receiving challenges the idea that we have to earn love or support. It reminds us that we are valuable simply because we exist, not because of what we do or provide. When we receive with grace, we affirm our interconnectedness and show that it’s okay to rely on each other.
A sense of belonging thrives on this dynamic. It’s not about endless giving; it’s about a mutual exchange that affirms everyone has something to offer. By embracing the vulnerability of receiving, we become part of that give-and-take that strengthens the connections between us all.
This holiday season, as you think about what to give, also consider what you might receive. Allow yourself to accept the gifts, care, and support offered by those around you—not just the physical presents, but the deeper gestures of love and connection. In doing so, you honor the givers in your life and create space for belonging to grow.
Receiving isn’t just about taking; it’s about connecting. It’s about saying yes to the invitation of trust, care, and community. And sometimes, the most courageous thing you can do is simply open your heart and accept.
