How can I help?  What a powerful question and it’s one that we should all be asking more often right now.  Our natural tendency when our backs are up against the wall, and sometimes when they are not, is to think of ourselves first and ask, What’s in it for me?  It is true that we must be strong ourselves in order to support others.  However, the key to our fulfillment may come through helping others before looking out for ourselves.

I recently listened to Deepak Chopra’s “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” (If you’re not familiar with the book, I highly recommend it).  Specifically, I was inspired by the second law: “The Law of Giving”.  It states that the Universe operates in a dynamic exchange of energy.  What you give, you receive.  Give unconditionally, and show gratitude for what you receive.  It will multiply in time.

In the same way that economists talk about the circulation of money creating wealth, the act of giving and receiving creates a flow of positive energy.  The more we circulate that energy, the more potential there is to create abundance in our lives.  To get what we want, we must help others get what they want. If we want more joy in our lives, we must give more joy.  In order to be loved, we must learn how to show love to others.  What we give does not have to be tangible, expensive or extreme.  It can be as small as a compliment, a text letting someone know you’re thinking about them, or a flower found on a morning walk.

The circulation of giving is only complete if it can be received.  So in addition to giving of ourselves, we must be willing to receive as well. Have you ever hosted friends over to your house for dinner and they ask, “What can I bring?”. The most common answer to that question is “nothing” or “just yourselves”.  While as a host we are trying to be hospitable, we are actually denying them an opportunity to contribute and feel good about giving something in return.  When people ask, “How can I help?” we usually believe accepting their help would cause inconvenience or burden and we respond with “I’m good”.  We have to learn that it’s ok to accept help from others, and that by declining, we are actually stopping the flow of that positive energy.

As you navigate the rest of this week, I hope you will spend some time thinking about your ability to give and receive throughout your interactions with others.  Your challenge is to ask the question, “How can I help” and should someone ask you that same question to you, don’t stop the flow of energy! Take them up on it, even if it seems small or insignificant, allow them to give something to you and allow yourself to receive it with grace.

*Each week I share a leadership message with our team and we are honored to share it with you via MIBE Tribe.  MIBE (the acronym for Make It Better Everyday) Tribe delivers education on heart leadership and intentional culture building for the hospitality industry.  Know someone who would enjoy these weekly motivational messages?  We’d be honored if you encouraged them to become a “mibe scriber” too!