For many, many years I have had a dream about going to The Ritz, London for afternoon tea.  It’s not something you do alone is it?  And I often wondered who I would go with, or who would take me.  And last week was my birthday.  To my surprise and delight my daughter Becky decided to treat me to this very special afternoon.  I could not believe it!  It is hugely expensive and for a student who works only part time, it is an immense gesture of love and kindness.  Not only did she treat us both but also her sister Anna.

Another lesson was being taught to me; the lesson about being a gracious receiver.  My first reaction was to say no, then that I should pay for it and then to suggest changing from the champagne afternoon tea to just the afternoon tea.  She had taken care of everything, had worked and saved and had booked it months ago.  She would not hear of me changing what she’d planned.  I felt a pang of guilt as I know she intends to buy a fantastic camera and many other things but Bexx reassured me that this was her wish, something she’d wanted to do for me for years and that I would have a lovely time.

I certainly did have a lovely time.  It exceeded all expectations; it was like stepping back in time, to a gentler, refined era.  It was perfect.  As we walked through the doors of The Ritz, it made me feel like a princess aboard the Titanic or something similar (before it went down! ), music was being played in a most genial manner, many people were dressed for the occasion and there was an air of anticipation.  After visiting the ‘powder room’ – yes, it’s really called that, we were showed to a raised seating area where afternoon tea was being served.  What a wonderful time we had.  As my young daughter paid the bill, I let go of the guilt and felt hugely overwhelmed by her love and kindness; it was such a spectacular birthday and I felt truly blessed.  I am sharing a photo and a mini video of our time at The Ritz, I hope you enjoy.

I bet you are great at giving to others, how great are you about receiving?  If the pleasure is in the giving, is it unfair to not receive graciously?  If our self esteem isn’t where we’d like it to be, we can feel that we don’t deserve.  Receiving then feels uncomfortable.  Are you aware if you do this?  Next time, know you are more than deserving and give the gift of accepting as you receive.

Wishing you fabulous times

Ali xxx