Givers and Takers
In life there are givers and takers. I'm not putting a label on either - giver or taker. Some folks just naturally put other's needs ahead of their own, tend to others and give what they have - in time, energy or materials- to other folks. Some folks are naturally takers and will, without thinking twice, take what is given both gratefully and at times without regard and at times take what isn't given to them and see that has the norm. Some folks are good at balancing each - give a little, take a little and in the end balancing out. And some folks are just good at being aware of and can observe the actions of the giver or taker. All needed. All a balance. Now motives to this concept of giving and taking are all over the place. Some consciously see those who are givers and can easily extract what they want or need and some subconsciously take to possibly fill a gap or meet a need, sometimes the gap or need is something they may not even recognize they have. As for the givers, motives may be feeling of acceptance, desire to help others and in some instance don't even know they are giving as not being aware of it. Sometimes those motives will spur us into action if we are aware of the action - give or take. At the same time we need to and should be able to see the balance of actions. All needed. All a balance. The world needs both and the world needs balance. We need both and we need the balance. When one person is being taken advantage of by another or when one is wasting the time, energy or materials of another person, those who are aware of this and can see this happening will speak up. Similarly, if one observes a person who is giving too much and neglecting their own self care in mind and spirit, I would hope somebody would speak up as well. I see this often and it's a delicate dance to bring the subject up as to not jump to conclusions or make somebody be on the defensive. But all of life is a balance. People watching out for other people. All needed. All a balance. Â
So when you feel you leaning in a one direction or their other, giver or taker, take a step back and observe yourself as if looking from an outsider's perspective. Or if an outsider makes a comment, think about why they are making the comment and first think for a greater good, your well being, may be the reason somebody cared enough to to speak up. You may be surprise on what you see - I know I sure was and continue to be at times. In the end, the world needs it all - givers, takers, balance and observers and together can help create a more peaceful balanced world. ~ChaChaÂ
