Is receiving important? H-E-**, Yeah!

Many people are raised to take a compliment and give one back immediately.

Is that necessary? N-O! And, I'll tell you why.

First of all, if you just said something nice in response because you felt the pressure to do so, then are you being authentic? Not really. You were simply reacting to something that was said to you and you might even believe that nice response you offered but that's not the point. You volleyed that compliment back to the owner and didn't let it land in your OWN mind/body. So, you literally took away an opportunity from yourself to feel good about yourself. How often do you do that?

I have a friend and when I see her I always say, "It's so nice to see you," because it is. She always replies, "It's nice to be seen." When she first said it I was taken aback. I thought that was odd. Wasn't it nice for her to see me? I'm embarrassed to even type that, but I am being honest so I can make my point. Now looking back, I'm so happy I always say that to her because she acknowledges it, lets in land in her body and is happy to be seen. Truth is, that's what most people want....to be seen and heard. But, I think I digressed.

What about the teen who was uncomfortable when I made her a treat for her birthday and shared it with her teen class? She was embarrassed in front of the other teens because I called attention to her. I did NOT make them all sing happy birthday. I simply asked everyone to make a silent wish for the birthday teen and one for themselves. My first thought was, "Oh noooooo! I embarrassed her." And then quickly I thought, "Wait. this teen doesn't know how to receive love and attention. Let me see if I can teach this." And, that's what I did! They got it!

Receiving. We are not often taught this and when we do receive, it's often perceived as selfishness. That's not the case! We all need love and some get cringy when attention is placed on them especially in front of others because they are not used to receiving love. That's sad, and rectifiable.

So I am here to tell you, you are deserving of love and attention because you are lovable. Now say that to yourself in the mirror. How uncomfortable is that? Ahhhhh......practice makes loving yourself a little easier.

Try this next time when someone offers you a compliment or offers to help you out: "Thank you so much. I appreciate you saying/doing that." and let it land there. Oh, the dreadful 3 seconds of silence afterwards. Get over it and take the compliment. YOU are deserving. I promise. And, if you respond with, "Oh, this, old thing?"or "Thanks, but I didn't really do it on my own......." then try again the next time someone says something nice or does something nice to/for you. RECEIVE! I love you! Gotcha!