Critical thinking skills are now being taught at every grade level, so they must be important. But can they actually help us become better receivers? Consider a definition of critical thinking from the Foundation for Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a […]
Tag: forgiveness
Take Nothing for Granted
Most of us realize that gratitude is one of the best ways to enhance our ability to receive. We would do well to remember that the opposite of being grateful for something is to take it for granted, and being the opposite of gratitude, taking things for granted has a comparably negative effect on receiving. […]
Helping Others
“Help given to others is a better predictor of health and well-being than are indicators of…received social support.” This research conclusion reported in the Berkeley Wellness Letter June 2013 caught my attention for a couple of reasons. First, it reinforces the need to receive others’ offers of help. It won’t just allow them feel good; […]
When Others Receive
Is it hard to see others receive when you’ve been striving to receive and it just hasn’t happened? Valentine’s Day may be a joyous day for many, but for singles who long for a relationship, it can be a painful reminder of how alone they are. If you find yourself feeling discouraged and maybe envious […]
Receiving or Taking?
Last week I attended the funeral of a very beloved man named Bob who clearly knew how to give. The chapel was filled for his service and those that spoke on his behalf consistently commented on his generosity and giving spirit. One speaker made a point to say that Bob was not “a taker.” […]
Giving Others the Chance to Give
I often write and speak about the many reasons why it’s good to receive. One of the most important is that when we receive, we simultaneously give. Yes, that’s right. What we give is the opportunity for the giver to give. This is not a trivial point, because giving is filled with rewards, and when […]
The Power of Your Thought
I’ve always enjoyed the stories where the author presents alternative endings and allows the reader to choose their favorite. Today I offer one to you. A bright, enthusiastic young woman wanted to get an advanced degree. She consulted experts in the field and her academic advisor, selected several schools that had programs meeting her goals, and […]
Taking the “Hits”
Last time I looked at the characteristics of wide receivers, people who receive for a living. Wide receivers are players on a football team that the quarterback throws the ball to. The best wide receivers are quick, agile, able to concentrate and shut out distractions, and ready and able to take a hit. Quarterbacks depend […]
Lessons from Professional Receivers
“There is good for me and I ought to have it.” Emma Curtis Hopkins Want to become a better receiver? Let’s learn from people who do it for a living – wide receivers! A wide receiver in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. Wide receivers are among the fastest and most agile players […]
The Importance of Self Compassion
“It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 This verse is a favorite of many of my spiritual teachers, and it’s become one of mine, too. Why not? Who doesn’t like the idea of a generous Creator who delights in blessing us? What’s more, I’m told that these good things […]