I spent the better part of my nearly 60 years living as a control freak; “doing” instead of being, “taking charge” instead of allowing life to unfold, and always trying to “prove” to others I was valuable instead of trusting they would appreciate me for who I was.

So, let’s just say, I have been pretty closed off to receiving for most of my life. By that I mean, I was not able to handle abundance coming to me in any way: accolades, gifts, or even expressions of kindness. Harboring an inner “I am not worthy or good enough” belief, I let my inner critic shut me off from receiving with grace. Often the voice in my head would say things like: “You could have done it better”, “Why didn’t you get a gift for them”, or “Now you owe them”. It took away my happiness in receiving, added in expectations, and dimmed the other person’s joy of giving.

This seems extra crazy as I look back now, because I express my love by giving to people in various ways. Maybe not by giving physical gifts, but in other ways; like fixing homecooked meals with their favorite ingredients, including them in invitations to parties or get togethers, sharing what I have learned, creating safe spaces for people to relax and be comfortable, and by listening and affirming that I really “see” them.

It feels so good when someone accepts and receives my kindness, without expectation of a return favor, and I realize how many times I sabotaged the opportunities to accept kindness throughout the years.

Receive is one of my words to live by in 2022, and so far it has been a wondrous thing. This morning I received an Instagram post from a new yoga student and she expressed her appreciation for my style of teaching. I believe, this form of kindness where people reach out to say what they feel, is the path forward to healing ourselves and our corners of the world. I know how good it feels when people reach out to say thankyou, or tell me my class was just the right thing, or whatever it is, and I can only imagine it also feels good on their end to share it.

By expressing ourselves freely and truthfully, in each moment, by spreading our own version of light and love into the world, we shine. And when we shine, we lift not only our vibration, but the vibration of others, and the world around us.

The time is now, are you ready to receive? To invite in abundance? To shine? If the answer isn’t a resounding YES I AM, then start ditching those expectations, judgments, fears, or old beliefs which hold you back. You really can begin to let them go right now. Remember, you deserve abundance in any and every form, you are worthy, you are enough, and you are a gift.

Namaste.