Receiving the blessings of life
Receiving the blessings of life |
"I FOUND THAT THE BEST THINGS IN MY LIFE HAVE NOT BEEN OF MY OWN DOING -- BUT HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO ME."I'm writing this from a tiny coffee shop in central Kentucky, sipping on a vanilla latte from a stout, black cup. I covered my ears with my trusty Sony headphones, put on some soft Japanese flute music, and thought about my life. And immediately I felt grateful. Let me tell you something: I don't know about you, but I found that the best things in my life have not been of my own doing -- but have been given to me by other people, by life, by God. Family. Friends. Traveling experiences. The simple cup o' joe. Watching the sunset over a botanical garden. The twinkle of delight in someone's eyes. Sure, I had to do something to participate in those experiences, but I never created them. They were mine to receive. I've been spending this month of December reflecting on the past year and planning for the next. I've learned that I am more capable than I might think, more loved than I might assume, and braver than I might feel. And I'm stepping into 2024 knowing that I have the agency to improve my life dramatically. But I'm also recognizing how much is beyond me, that I have made it this far in no small part due to the good graces, selflessness, and blessings of other people. And to them I am very grateful. Whether it was opening their home to me for a summer when I didn't have a place to live, or having me over for a holiday dinner when I didn't have family to spend it with, or buying me a cup of coffee and showing genuine interest in my life. ----- In the book The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann, one of the Law of Stratospheric Success is The Law of Receptivity: "The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving." I've always been terrible at receiving. Gifts, favors, love. I've always felt I never deserved them. And I always feel like I have to repay them. But how much more beautiful life is when we receive blessings with open hearts! And we can only do so when we recognize that love is ours to receive. And sometimes that love is felt in the vibrant rays of the setting sun. Many of us have had a tough year in 2023. And speaking for myself, I don't expect 2024 to be any easier. But if my heart can be filled with love, courage, and gratitude amidst the storms of life, that might be the best place to be. So what blessings have you received this past year? And how can you learn to receive the goodness of life with open arms? Stay purposeful. – Nathanael Thank you for being a part of my community! If you enjoy this newsletter, consider sharing it with others who might benefit from it as well! And if you want to reach out, you can reply to this email :) |