Receiving

photo courtesy of Angela Waye

Ever have challenges receiving? You might have read that question and wondered what the heck that means, so let me ask it again in a different way. When someone says, “you look nice today,” do you say respond with a thank you or do you throw away the compliment by explaining you forgot to brush your hair or you complain about your appearance or perhaps you even go so far as to completely discredit the compliment by saying you think you look like crap today. 

It’s okay to admit you have trouble receiving. You are not alone, and though I do not have any scientific evidence to support my belief, it is my observation that most people have some level of difficulty receiving.

Receiving goes beyond compliments. Do you have challenges receiving money from someone, even if you didn’t earn it? Do you struggle with receiving gifts for no particular occasion? And probably the most important question for anyone who has PTSD—do you have trouble receiving help when it is offered?

That was absolutely me. 

When someone saw me struggling with my PTSD when it was at its worst, I would have refused help. I would not have received advice, suggestions or even an ear for listening. 

Having moved through that dark place, I can see what it now looks like when someone is struggling and help is being offered but it’s not being received. It’s like a chisel and hammer chipping away at an incredibly hard, thick surface that we don’t know how it will break open. It’s frustrating for the person who wants to give, but the person who needs to receive help is the one that misses out the most.

Receiving is a part of life and critical to the circulation of good energy throughout the planet. When you receive, you aren’t being selfish. Rather, you are continuing the movement of that energy, and if it helps you to personally develop, grow and improve your life, don’t you think that might also help others out too?

It is ok to receive. Say it to yourself if you need to. It is ok to receive. Say it until you feel aligned with those words.