My tissue paper thinking suggested

that my taking was selfish.

That my giving was noble.

From that perception,

I gave.

Time.

Energy.

Attention.

Sometimes I even did it generously.

Other times strategically.

Here’s what my reflection has uncovered:

there is no receiving without taking.

Giving looks cleaner.

It allows me to stay above the exchange.

I don’t have to admit I need.

Taking exposes something.

It says,

I require.

I accept.

I receive.

Humility.

No performance.

No leverage.

No moral high ground.

That’s harder than it sounds.

Clean taking requires clarity.

I don’t take what isn’t mine.

I don’t take to dominate.

I don’t take to fill a hole that won’t stay filled.

I take what is offered.

I take what aligns.

I take what allows me to contribute better.

There is a way to take that strengthens the whole.

It acknowledges interdependence.

I’m not the source of everything.

I’m a part of something.

Giving without receiving turns fragile.

Taking without giving turns hollow.

The exchange is the point.