What would you like to give?

Myself, but not what I usually think of when I say *myself.* Not my self.

Not my body, my soul, my mind, although they may be involved in the giving.
Not my personal power. If I give it away, I have no will left to give, no self to give from.
Not my *voice*, my essence. Not what makes me, me.
Not my freedom to choose responsibility. Though my power of choice may be restricted in physical ways, no one can take from me the power that I have to accept and *own* whatever comes, and to be at peace with it.
Not my duty, nor any gift or action that might come from any sense that I owe you, or that I am responsible for you, or that I am to blame for what happened to you.
Not my forgiveness. If "You hurt me" doesn't live outside my thoughts, what is there to forgive?
So here then is what I would like to give, always to the best of my ability:
My listening, with heart, soul, mind.
My sharing, of experience, of joy or sorrow, of whatever else feels right.
My presence, though not necessarily physical.
My compassion, but not necessarily sympathy, because one who accepts responsibility for her life does not require, or even want, sympathy.
My encouragement, for you to find your voice, your truth, your light, and to take responsibility for your life.
My acceptance of you as a person and a spiritual being.
My love.