You know how sometimes, you’re going about your day and then one simple phrase changes the way you see absolutely everything?
Here’s the phrase that has kept me gobsmacked for the better part of a year.
Your first job is to receive.
It doesn’t seem like much, and it might even strike you as some kind of new-age-y bullshit. Hear me out.
This is coming from an internationally best-selling author, a lightning bolt of controversy who has his own TV show and enjoys the benefits of having Oprah on speed dial.
He’s not giving advice to push, to get out there and make shit happen, to take action and more action and even more action. He’s not saying, “Your first job is to hustle.” Or pray. Or wake up earlier. Or buy my $2,000 program.
Your first job is to receive.
To take stock of what you’ve already got
and truly accept everything as the gift it is.
Take in that compliment you’d normally deflect.
The cash a friend lets you borrow because you’re broke until payday.
His hand on your back. Her kiss on the cheek.
Receive the love notes left for you on the kitchen counter;
the kind words written by clients;
the snail mail that is meant to fill you up.
Let your best friend make you burritos for lunch.
Let them cheer you up.
Answer the phone and let ’em love you.
Your first job is to receive.
If you’re anything like me, this is an incredibly difficult process.
Year after year, I keep trying to give and give and give, but somehow not do the opposite: receive. It’s like breathing out without letting myself breathe in.
SPOILER ALERT: that shit doesn’t work.
When I let myself accept the gifts being offered — from a smile in line at Trader Joe’s to a lavish holiday gift — I’m better able to give when the time comes. (And man, am I giving great gifts this year.)
As the months roll on, may you learn to enjoy the process of receiving.
Crank up the tunes and dance.
Drink the wine you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
Enjoy those good tidings that are arriving in your mailbox.
Eat the damn cookies.
Give up the worry, the stress, the WHAT IF scenarios, and the constant planning.
Relax. Receive.
You’re here, you’re alive, and you’re gonna be just fine.
The Receive breathwork class will walk you through all I know about receiving (hint: I’ve had to learn a TON to be good at it!) and then help you clear your own blocks to receiving. Check it out here.
P.S. Seemingly unrelated, but 100% related: money blocks are complicated.
