Do You Need Help Learning How to Receive?

It Can Be Difficult to Receive

Many people have no problem being givers, but when it’s time to receive, I think that some people struggle. Are you the type of person that always gives to others and forgets about yourself? Some people even have a hard time accepting a compliment. If the “law of abundance” is going to work successfully in our lives, there must be a flow both ways – both in the giving and the receiving.

During a workshop, I taught a few years ago, a lovely woman volunteered for a reading and I could see from her aura and energy that she was a total giver. She always went out of her way to help others, donated her time to charities, and even cooked meals for sick neighbors.

I asked her, “I see that you are such a kind woman, and always giving to others, but why is it so hard for you to receive?” She started to cry and looked at me and said, “I don’t feel like I’m worthy.” At that point, I told her that she was worthy and gave her the biggest hug, as did other students in the class!

It Is Not Easy to Accept Even Small Rewards

I too am a giver, and I told the class that it took me quite a while to learn to receive, and that it wasn’t easy to do at first. I explained that I started with something simple and encouraged her to do the same. If someone paid me a compliment, I didn’t dismiss it but simply said, “Thank You!” We’re all meant to help each other with our time here, and we’re all connected!

So why is it so hard for people to receive? I feel it might be the way we were raised or by what society dictates, including the comments that might have been ingrained in us: “You should stand on your own,” “Don’t be dependent on anyone,” “Don’t be a burden to others,” or “You don’t deserve that!” By refusing to receive, you’re sort of dismissing the grace of abundance in all forms from entering your life.

I want this newsletter to remind you to honor yourself with the work you have done, physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.

John’s Lesson

Here are a few tips to learn how to receive and honor yourself:

Start off small. At the end of the day, make it a point to be thankful for something you received, whether it was a compliment, a hello from a stranger, or even a smile!

Be a little more discerning in your giving. Let others give to you! If you’re always the one who jumps up and pays the bill, then allow the other person to pay so that they can feel the same joy you receive when you’ve been the one paying.

If you’ve done a great job at something, and you’re proud, then do something special for yourself! It’s not being selfish – you’re honoring yourself and your soul.

Learn from children. They are excellent teachers when it comes to receiving! It’s natural for them to ask for help, just as easy as it is for them to help another.

Appreciate all the abundance and goodness that’s around you. Be thankful for your health, children, sunny days, your garden, family, best friends, or even the person who lets you jump ahead in line at the bank!

The more joy you notice and appreciate, the easier it becomes for you to experience more happiness, joy, abundance, prosperity, and most importantly – love.

By learning to be grateful, you’re acknowledging and honoring the Divine Source, and by doing so, you’re keeping the energy of the “giving and receiving circle” open and flowing. When you focus on having an attitude of gratitude, you’re really sharing so that everyone benefits.

Live a Soul-filled life!