Some time ago, I had a friend come to me. They were in desperate need of my services as a therapist to help them overcome some of the challenges in their life.
Bill, as we will call him here, was unhappy, suicidal, virtually bankrupt and generally not in a good place.
I worked with him for three straight hours, helping him resolve his issues and create an action plan so he could move on and break through the blocks that were holding him back.
After the session Bill apologised to me for being in such a bad way and asked what he could do in return for all the help that I had given him.
As you do in this sort of situation, I just smiled and said nothing, its my pleasure to help.
He looked at me and said, But Ive got to do something to repay you for everything youve done for me. The look of worry and concern on his face for not being able to pay me back struck me.
At that moment, I had a revelation. I could insist that he did nothing and send him on his way. But However, I looked at his face and realised that he really wanted to give something in return for what he had received.
I realised that the best way I could give anything to...