As successful, busy women, we know that always-doing can only take us so far. Our capacity runs out, resentment sets in, and we lose steam.
That’s why, in order to get to the next level in our careers, businesses, and creative pursuits we need to learn how to receive more.
But why is it so hard?
This is a huge topic, especially for women. Culturally, we tend to be the givers and do-ers for others and shun receiving because it’s considered selfish or it just makes us plain uncomfortable.
I remember receiving a compliment once on an outfit I was wearing and instead of saying thank you, I downplayed it by mumbling that I got it on sale, or shared how it had some flaw –effectively brushing off the gift of the compliment.
Why did I do that? Because I didn’t know how to let it in.
(And if I can’t easily receive a compliment, how can I receive more money, support, intuitive guidance, and love in my life?)
Here’s an aha I made recently after reading Amanda Owen’s book “The Power of Receiving.” I realized that the opposite of doing isn’t NOT doing, it’s RECEIVING.
So, energetically, it’s not enough to pause and do “nothing,” you must pause and actively receive in order to fully restore yourself.
Can you feel the difference?
Doing is energy out, receiving is energy in.
I offer a lot more tips in this video. Specifically, I share some of the receptive activities we can practice. I also discuss:
- what gets in the way of receiving
- symptoms of non-receiving
- how to identify doing vs. receiving energy
- how to create opportunities to receive
Take time this week and notice when you’re feeling unappreciated, resentful, or depleted. These are tell-tale signs that you’ve been overdoing, overgiving, and not filling your own cup.
Then, create opportunities to receive (be still, listen, allow, appreciate, feel, accept, welcome, let go).