Many of us when asked are we givers or takers, will answer “Oh yes, I am a giver”. But is it really so, or is it our ego that wants to believe it to be so…

Are you bringing your gifts to the world or are you looking for what you can get from the world?

woman holding the world

This question opens up a huge difference in perspective as well as in our attitude and how we show up.

One comes from a place of openness, abundance and sharing, while the other comes from a place of tension, lack and self absorption. The energy is so different … and it is palpable.

All around us are people asking “What’s in it for me”? …
… When the real questions are  “What can I bring to them?” “What are my talents and skills that I can offer?” “How can I share what I love to do?”

This thought came to my mind today as I recall when I was a new yoga teacher, how my attitude was that I needed to make a certain amount of money from my classes, or it wouldn’t be worthwhile.

Worthwhile to whom? To me of course… and my ego.

I had forgotten that I chose to teach because I love yoga and being a teacher. It is something I believe in and want to share with others. Its my gift to the world and my dharma or life purpose.
Whether I bring this to 4 people or 15, I impact them.

Real worth is measured by how much we express our unique selves, and how we can make a difference in the world.

So, whether you are wanting to teach a class, thinking about a career change or making a decision in your life, shift your perspective and questions! Let go of the fear of not having enough and open your heart to the abundance that is within you.

Experience the difference … and the results.

 

39 responses to “* Are you a Giver or a Taker?”

  1. I take a lot from what you give, Val!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Now that’s very balanced Ann 😊 Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. If I come to your yoga class do I have to share my chocolate? 😮

    I’m not coming. Neither is Nancy.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. It depends on where you took the chocolate from H. 😎

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Haha! We should bring chocolate covered pretzels . . . all twisted up in knots!

      Liked by 2 people

  3. I love the introspection and the shift of perspective, Val. I am faced with the need to make a big decision in my life…and the overriding emotion I feel about it is fear. I know that I must change this perspective if I am to actually “make” a decision. And I must make one soon as this limbo is the energy I want to be in. Much love to you…and thank you! ♡

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Lorrie. When we shift our inner thinking … especially moving from the mind to the heart, we can see new openings and possibilities. Having a vision of how the future might look and embracing it with all your heart helps to quieten the fear and move us towards it. Sending you a ((hug)) my friend. xo

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      1. Received…and so much appreciated 🙂 ♡♡

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Everything in our lives, nay in the world, comes down to relationships, and the foundation stone for those relationships is the one we have with ourselves. Just my two pennies worth!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love your tuppence worth Paul…. and of course, relationship with everything is all give and take. 💛

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Love this: “Let go of the fear of not having enough.” Great post, Val, as always.
    Karen

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Karen, its good to see you!! I’m glad it resonated with you. Thank you for stopping by.

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  6. “One comes from a place of openness, abundance and sharing, while the other comes from a place of tension, lack and self absorption. The energy is so different … and it is palpable.” This is so true, Val. Excellent words of wisdom today.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for your kind words and ongoing support Jill 💛

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Good points, Val.

    During a show promo the other day, a newlywed insisted that she NEEDED her husband to BE the way she wanted him to be. She was focused on what she wanted to GET from the relationship, rather than on what she could BRING to the relationship. Instead of GIVING him the gift of understanding and acceptance, she DEMANDED that he give her what her misguided thoughts told her she NEEDED.

    I GIVE the relationship 6 months. :mrgreen:

    That said, at times, we “take” so we have something to “give” later. It’s all about the balance of Yin ~> Yang ~> Yin ~> Yang.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh dear for that relationship! I recall someone telling me that shifting from thinking “What I want from them” to “What I want for them” was one of the more powerful shift to make in any relationship.
      Like Yin and Yang, life is all about give and take – with every interaction and every breath. It all part of the same continuum and not opposite at all.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Wonderful reminders of how our inner dialogue works.. and how we should retrain our thinking.. That is why I loved Wayne Dyer so much.. he taught similar principles .. Thank you Val for teaching US..
    I so value your posts and thoughts..
    Blessings Sue

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Sue for your kind words. I so appreciate you being in this universe! 💛

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Wise words Val! And I try to live by them…but in my “bread winning” work, I sometimes struggle with issues like “worth” and “equality” …very complex issues.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Complex indeed Helen. Thank you for sharing. 💛

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  10. Great post, Val. I’ve learned, and continue to learn, so much from you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Janet! Life long learners are the best 💛

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  11. Taking can so often be even more important than giving or, that’s how it seems to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree Jean. Our ability to take what is being offered is so important.💛

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  12. I will share my chocolate with you Val! These words of wisdom really do work. It’s simply a gift to know it and share it. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Helen. I will take it gladly! How else can we share without both giving and taking. Its the spirit of sharing that brings about a heartfelt way of being. 💛

      Liked by 1 person

        1. That would be your twin Karen!

          Liked by 1 person

          1. I always forget her! 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

  13. Beautiful post Val we all need a dose of this to remind us to be generous and open.
    Kath

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Kath! So glad it resonated with you today 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  14. I like what you’re saying. The world is full of beautiful things, but “society” doesn’t owe anything to anyone. To go places ‘expecting’ things to be given to you is living in illusion. One has to learn how to give, no matter how awful one’s childhood was. It means more inner work, but it’s needed for survival.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So well said Maria. Thank you for sharing your perspective. xo

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  15. Walking My Path: Mindful Wanderings in Nature Avatar
    Walking My Path: Mindful Wanderings in Nature

    When people think ” what’s in it for me,” thinking of the planet, we lose our environment. Hopefully people will think of what we can give to Her more. Thank you Val. Wonderful post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much. May we all be more giving towards our planet that gives us so much!

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  16. Very wise post Val. I find it difficult with relationships where the involved are opposites. Maybe it is just me. I need to learn to take too, are so much better to give, I feel.

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About Me

My name is Val Boyko, a dual citizen living near Philadelphia, originally from Scotland.

This blog came to life one morning in 2013.  I woke up with these words in my mind:  “Life is a series of highs and lows. Be grateful for the highs. Be graceful in the lows. And find contentment in your Middle Ground.”

Find Your Middle Ground blog started to explore, reflect, ask deep questions, share insights about awakening, and connect with wonderful people like yourself. Thank you for being here and being such an inspiration.