Journal prompt: Do you believe that you have to give something to get something?

In the spirit of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and all the sales surrounding the winter holidays, I've been thinking about the psychology behind getting something that we've paid for in some way. This makes me wonder.....

There seem to be a few ways to cut the cake: In terms of Christian theology, if you want something or if you want change, you have to make a sacrifice, pay a price. On a more zen wavelength, letting go is the action that brings true change or enlightenment. At third option: giving is always giving to yourself since we're all part of the same cosmic energy.

What do you think? If you want something (an object, a change, a kind of life), should you have to give something? Does this show your investment/commitment? Or does true change, power, love, objects, etc., come to those who do not trade but rather are open or receptive?

Do you believe that you have to give something to get something? Why or why not?

I believe that there is a fine balance between giving/paying and being open in a way that transcends the material concept of barter. While I don't think that letting go (rather than giving materially or emotionally) will always bring something new or needed into your life, I think there's wisdom in being sure that you're not overvaluing materiality and control. Because in a sense, payment or giving to receive is a tangible, quantifiable system humans invented to be able to account for and control the amount given. So, to truly receive, it's crucial to not try too hard.

On the flip side, trying hard is important. Giving often means effort, putting yourself out there, taking a risk. When giving makes you vulnerable, it forces you to grow. When giving something forces you to work hard, it makes you truly appreciate whatever it is that your work has earned you.

Finally, trying hard but not trying too hard doesn't matter at all if you live in a vacuum. If you don't see yourself in the world/the environment and in other people, what's the point?

So, I believe it's a balance. A delicate matter of opposing, equal forces.