A Course in Miracles teaches that sharing and receiving are the same. Years ago, I’d never thought about it like that. I’d always thought there were givers and takers; each filled a role for the other. I also thought that giving was the more spiritual way to live and that taking was for users. My limited point of view kept me in my comfort zone of being on the giving end. That way, I didn’t have to feel indebted to anyone else. I was in control.
From the perspective of love, it only makes sense that sharing and receiving are the same. When someone offers something from their heart and then refused, love is shut out. If one person is doing all of the giving and the other person all of the receiving, then an arrangement of expectations (or lack thereof) has replaced the gift of reciprocation.
Thanksgiving is a time to share and receive love. Thanks – means you have accepted the gift that has been offered. Giving – means you are offering a gift. Through the never-ending exchange, love will find itself.
This Thanksgiving is a good time to have a change in perception about the upcoming holidays. Whether you are more comfortable staying at home or being with friends, there’s always something to be thankful for and something to share with others.
If you can’t share a meal at the dinner table, you can always do a favor or drop off Thanksgiving dinner to someone who is homebound. Those who are confined and not cooking can reach out with phone calls, loving text messages, and, if affordable, a mail-order decoration or dish.
It’s also a great time to look around you and see all that you have. Every single thing – material or natural is a gift. It’s so easy to take everything for granted and keep wanting more. Gratitude for what we have is as fulfilling as having more.
Most importantly, if you keep an open heart, full of generosity and gratitude, you will have a holiday season that is not only a full tummy – but a lot of memories, full of joy.
I wish you all a Happy, Happy Thanksgiving.
Join the Movement
Donna Marks is an educator and licensed psychotherapist and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. Since 1989, she has worked with over 6,000 clients. Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owned an outpatient treatment program and is a consultant to treatment centers. Donna is the author of two books; Learn, Grow, Forgive, and the multi-award-winning, Exit the Maze-One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and created an online course for people who want to be cured of addiction.
Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with hundreds of thousands of listeners on podcasts and radio shows.
Sign up for the mailing list
You will receive the latest articles, meditation tracks, inspirational content and much more
