Hello and Happy December! This time of year tends to stir a mix of joy, anticipation, pressure, and, if we’re being honest, a bit of stress. Each year, I tell myself I’ll approach the holidays differently; I will simplify, slow down, I will be more present. And yet, there always seems to be an internal tug-of-war. An invisible force that pulls me out of presence and quietly disrupts my inner peace. I’d like to think I’m not alone in this.
There is a cultural standard we all feel. It is the unspoken expectation that every holiday should be meaningful, memorable, and beautifully orchestrated. We want to create moments, cultivate joy, and show appreciation to the people who matter. But balancing heartfelt giving with daily life can quickly become overwhelming. If I tried to express gratitude to every person I cherish with a gift, it would take me all year! So, this month, I want to explore the true essence of giving and receiving, and hopefully add a little peace and spaciousness to your season.
Receiving and Worthiness
Receiving has always been a challenge for me. Giving, however, whether it’s a thoughtful gift, a kind gesture, or even a heartfelt compliment, has always felt much more comfortable. Because I’m naturally introspective, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring this imbalance within myself. I remember a moment many years ago when a friend complimented me on my shirt. Instead of simply saying “Thank you,” I immediately dismissed the compliment with, “Oh, this thing? It was only ten dollars at the discount store…” She quickly called me out, kindly, but directly. She pointed to how difficult it was for me to accept something kind without undermining it. It was such a small moment, but it stayed with me. That experience revealed the fine line between humility and worthiness. Between being modest and feeling deserving. Since then, I’ve been practicing the art of receiving – graciously, openly, and without explanation. And like most things worth doing, it remains a work in progress.
Giving and Receiving Are the Same
Here is the part that has taken me years to understand:
Giving and receiving are not separate – they are simply different expressions of the same energetic exchange.
When we give freely, we offer the world a piece of our heart. When we receive freely, we allow someone else to do the same (an energetic exchange).
❤️Both require presence.
❤️Both require openness.
❤️Both require sincerity.
❤️Both deepen connection.
When either side of the exchange is blocked – when we over-give, undervalue ourselves, or struggle to accept care, the relationship becomes imbalanced, and so do we.
As you move through this season, I invite you to explore both sides of this energetic exchange:
- Can you receive without deflecting, justifying, or shrinking?
- Can you give without depleting yourself or keeping score?
- Can you allow yourself to be supported in the same way you support others?
- Can you see receiving as an act of love, as well?
Giving and receiving are a circle 💫, they are not a straight line. Each completes the other.
When we let the exchange flow with generosity, gratitude, and grace, we create a holiday season that feels less like a performance and more like a shared experience of presence.
One Simple Practice
This month, try offering the world one simple gift:
Your willingness to stay open.
✨Open to joy.
✨Open to rest.
✨Open to connection.
✨Open to compliments.
✨Open to support.
✨Open to the moments that don’t look picture-perfect.
✨Open to giving from a full heart.
✨Open to receiving from a full heart.
This practice of openness is something I have to consciously work on (simple but not always easy) and there is no better time than the holidays to apply my efforts!
In Closing
As you move through this holiday season, remember to slow down and savor the small moments. Writing these newsletters are my way of reminding myself to do the same. I appreciate you being here!
May your December be spacious, steady, and filled with the quiet beauty of genuine connection.
I wish you a peaceful and balanced holiday season.
With love and gratitude,
Adriana