Giving and receiving
By
Right click here to listen to the song that inspired this post:
All about you (the music starts at 1:30)
I’m a volunteer for the Guide Dogs charity and I care for a black Labrador called Gracie who is part of the Guide Dog breeding programme. Each year, Gracie has puppies in our home where they stay for 6-7 weeks until they go off to be trained as Guide Dogs. My job is an easy one but as a volunteer and carer, I understand the importance of the role.
On Friday, I was inspired by the children featured on Children in Need. Tyrone and Vanessa are child carers, helping their mother care for their father who has Multiple Sclerosis. Children in Need provides them with a rare opportunity to spend “me” time away from the home, doing something just for themselves. What strikes me is their ability to receive as well as to give.
Many people care for someone or something. Perhaps you care for your partner, your children or an elderly relative, pets or livestock. In giving to others, we often overlook how important we are ourselves.
“It’s all about you”
What can you do to care for yourself?
How can you prevent yourself from burning out?
When Gracie has her puppies, my life is taken over for 6-7 weeks. I am consumed by caring for her and the puppies for the sake of their welfare and in order to give the puppies a good start in life. I give them so much physically and emotionally and it’s a privilege to be involved. Usually I collapse in a heap at the end of the 6 weeks. Gracie’s next litter is due in Jan 2009 and this time I intend to find time to care for myself as well as the puppies.
It’s important to find the balance between giving and receiving. If we give too much of ourselves, we reach burn-out. If we are unwilling to receive, we deny others the joy of giving.
Who are you denying the joy of giving?
How balanced are you in giving and receiving?
This week, give others the joy of giving and give yourself the gift of receiving.
With love,
Jude. x
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