Dubbo, NSW, February 2021
To sacrifice is to give up or surrender, which is a daily practice of living with love at your core. It’s not simply time or money we sacrifice, but less tangible comforts or attitudes that others - and often ourselves - aren’t aware of. Surrendering what I want, for the greater good, and surrendering my need for acceptance and approval, invites me into greater opportunities. I’ve sacrificed short term wins for long term possibilities. I’ve sacrificed in healthy and unhealthy ways.
These sacrifices can appear very similar on the surface, or at the time, but are like seeds that grow over time and reveal the truth. I’ve sacrificed many business opportunities to support family and friends through crises and significant occasions. I’m happy with these decisions. I’ve sacrificed my health and wellbeing when I took sacrificing too far, and didn’t ask for help, becoming a martyr rather than a giver.
I love the feeling of sacrificing something when I know there’s a greater purpose and/or payoff. For example, sacrificing comfort to climb a hill to see the sunrise, sacrificing my desire for less healthy options when I focus on how it is to feel really well. Sacrificing my time when I know it matters to give someone my full attention.
Sometimes these sacrifices are decisions made easily, other times they come with a great awareness of the cost. This is where resentment can grow, so it’s important to take responsibility and choose your attitude. The cost can be time, finances, convenience or comfort.
Our sacrifices might cost us the good opinion of others, if our path of kindness doesn’t serve their agenda. Sacrificing for the purpose of acceptance doesn’t create the same kind of uncomplicated, joyful results that are otherwise possible.
We must also be open to receiving from others, because giving, yet not receiving, can hinder our own growth and health. When someone makes a sacrifice for you - accept it - and express your gratitude. This is how beautiful connections can be made, that may be momentary, or lifelong - either way - they enrich our lives.