Permission to Receive: A Gift Just for You

It’s that magical, bustling time of year—holiday decorations are going up, the air feels festive, and our calendars are quickly filling with celebrations, shopping, and to-do lists. There are gifts to buy, presents to wrap, and parties to attend. But amidst all the holiday busyness, how often do we pause and give to ourselves?

The holiday season is often seen as a time for giving, but many of us, especially as women, struggle with receiving. Whether it’s help, rest, or even a simple compliment, we often resist. What if we saw receiving not as selfish or indulgent but as a sacred practice—one that’s essential for living a balanced, joyful, and creative life?

What Does It Mean to Receive?

Receiving isn’t about being passive or taking from others. It’s about opening yourself up to the flow of life. When you allow yourself to receive, you’re saying, I matter too.

Receiving can look like:

• Pausing to savor a quiet moment of stillness.
• Allowing someone to help you without guilt.
• Opening your heart to beauty, love, or divine guidance.
• Accepting gratitude from others—or giving it to yourself.

Think of it this way: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Like a watering can, you must first fill yourself up before you can nourish others.

Why Is Receiving So Hard for Us?

Here are three common reasons why receiving can feel so difficult:

1. Cultural Conditioning:
   From a young age, we’re taught to be “good girls” who put everyone else first. Messages from family, media, and society reinforce the idea that being selfless and giving is virtuous, while receiving is indulgent or even selfish.

2. Fear of Vulnerability:
   Receiving requires letting go of control and admitting that we can’t do everything ourselves. For many of us, this is hard because it feels like giving up strength—but in truth, it’s an act of trust and courage.

3. Guilt:
   We worry that by receiving, we’re taking something away from someone else. But the truth is, life operates in abundance. When you allow yourself to receive, you replenish your energy and create more for yourself and others.

The Sacred Cycle of Giving and Receiving

Giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin, part of a sacred cycle that keeps life flowing. Imagine this cycle as a river. If you’re constantly giving without allowing yourself to receive, the river will run dry. But when you open yourself to receive—whether it’s help, joy, beauty, or inspiration—you replenish the flow, making your giving joyful and sustainable again.

Practical Ways to Cultivate the Art of Receiving

If you’re ready to embrace the sacred practice of receiving, here are some simple ways to start:

1. Start Small:
   Practice receiving little things. When someone compliments you, simply say, “Thank you.” Avoid downplaying or deflecting it. You can also take a moment to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the aroma of coffee, or the quiet of a peaceful morning.

2. Allow Help:
   When someone offers to help, say yes. Let a friend run an errand for you or allow your partner or children to take over dinner prep. Notice how it feels to let go and let others show up for you.

3. Create Space for Stillness:
   Set aside even five minutes for quiet. Use this time to notice the abundance already present in your life—whether it’s the chair you’re sitting on or the breath you’re taking.

4. Connect with Spirit:
   Open yourself to divine guidance or inspiration through meditation, journaling, or simply asking, “What do I need right now?” Sit quietly and listen for the answer, trusting that it will come.

5. Practice Gratitude:
   Gratitude is a powerful way to receive. When you focus on what you already have, you open your heart to abundance. A gratitude practice keeps the river of giving and receiving flowing freely.

What Are You Ready to Receive?

Take a moment to reflect on this question: What are you ready to receive? Maybe it’s rest, support, joy, or a deeper connection to your soul. Whatever it is, know that you are worthy of it. Write it down, speak it out loud, or hold it in your heart as a sacred intention.

Receiving isn’t selfish; it’s essential. By allowing yourself to receive, you model for others—your family, friends, and community—what it means to honor your own needs and value yourself. In doing so, you create a ripple effect, inspiring others to embrace the sacred cycle of giving and receiving.

This holiday season, I invite you to treat yourself to the gift of receiving. Let it fill you with joy, peace, and inspiration, so you can give from a place of fullness and abundance.

Want to Go Deeper? Join the Merry and Bright 5-Day Challenge!
Discover simple, meaningful ways to embrace the art of receiving this holiday season. Together, we’ll explore stillness, beauty, guidance, gratitude, and support to help you find more balance and joy. Sign up here.

You are worthy of every blessing, every joy, and every moment of peace. Let yourself receive them this season. ❤️