
Maybe this is one way to get into the idea of holiday giving. I read the phrase 'Freely Given, Freely Taken' in a mystery novel about Faberge eggs. It resonated with me, not the eggs, the sentiment.
When I am given something, anything really, a favor, a Tupperware of quinoa salad, cookies that will send me from pre-diabetes right into the real thing, I immediately feel beholden. I am not implying that the giver wants anything from me, I am just aware that I am now in the position of owing something to someone. I’m way too sophisticated to blurt out, “I’ll pay you back, really I will!!” but I file the debt away.
For the record, I do not encourage this type of thinking.
What I want to believe is: When something is given freely, with no strings, I can accept freely, with no debt. It’s a good idea, right? So healthy. Of course, in reality, this is like saying, “It’s wonderful to be non-judgmental and accepting” and then poof! At the first opportunity, I’m back to the real me.
If anyone wants to shower me with gifts as a 'flooding' experiment, I'm open to it.
Just in case that doesn't happen, I’m going to use “freely given, freely taken” as aspirational. Aspirational means that I know it’s important and I have desire but… I never expect to get there. I get a couple of points for willingness to change, but that's about all the work required.
If you voted in the Koehler cover poll, Linda and Carol thank you. Whichever design wins, it looks like I'm on the cover. Not The Trip We Planned will be out in March, 2025. I certainly will not let you forget.
Comments