So many of us want to “control” the outcome and plan of every little thing in our lives. Giving up the need for control allows us to lay down our defenses and to accept help as it is offered. See yourself as a team player within humanity, and each of you is needed for the outcome to be achieved.

Find someplace where you can give of yourself without the expectation of anything in return. If there is a change you would like to see in the world, then find a way to contribute to making that change. If you desire to end world hunger, then volunteer at a soup kitchen.  If you wish to see the end of animal cruelty, then perhaps volunteering at your local humane society or animal rescue organization would be the best way for you to serve. Whatever it is, when you give of your time and energy, you are bringing more grace into the world.

If there is someone in your life, you have had a hard time forgiving because whatever they did has been hard for you to overcome, revisit the idea of forgiveness. Sometimes by changing your perspective and seeing your connection to the person, to see their vulnerabilities and weakness’, can help you to surrender your need for holding onto the anger.

Become more aware of the times you fall into the “victim” mode and give your power away. When we allow ourselves to be a victim, we not only shut down our ability to give grace, but we also throw up a wall which repels grace. Being a victim denies our ability to see our part in a situation and therefore denies us a chance to heal it.

This is an incredibly difficult one I’ve had to surrender to over the past year. Most of my life, I have tried to be self-sufficient, not asking for help when I have needed it. In the past two years, I have finally begun asking and accepting the help and grace that others have offered and given. When we ask for what we need, we give others a chance to practice giving grace. We open the door to building closer relationships, and we become the team players who make massive shifts within humanity.