All this intention toward change and responsibility and “wellness” sometimes adds up to feeling weighed down. It takes effort to do good, and there are times when there’s just nothing left to give.  Those are the times to recognize when to rest and when to ask for help.

Now, contrary to taking, giving is a finite capacity. Everyone has their limit and it’s up to them not to put too many draws on their own bank.  Taking, on the other hand, can be undertaken in an infinite capacity.  Whether it’s taking all the help you can get, or taking all the lack of help you get is up to you.

When your personal wellness meter is dipping low, one very valuable tool for measuring the give and take surrounding you can be found in hugs. Most people would automatically assume that a hug is an act of giving, and can be either one-sided or mutual, depending on the situation.  Just beware, some hugs have the appearance of giving, yet are actually taking.

Here are some considerations to ponder:

Hugs that cost you and take from you feel superficial and inadequate. They bring no spark to your heart or relief to your mind, and they often leave you feeling like something is missing (because it was a take!).

A good, solid, giving hug lifts you up physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It warms your heart, unburdens your mind, and lingers long after you’ve let go.

Just knowing and acknowledging the curative vs. injurious properties of hugs can help create true wellness: Seek and apply the proper remedy and the trouble dims and goes away, seek and apply an unequal substitute and you’re likely to make things worse.