How to Embrace Worthiness and Be Able to Receive Grace

We, as women, have a natural inclination towards giving. We give our time, our energy, our love, and our support. Often, we do this tirelessly, without a second thought. But when it comes to receiving—whether it's a compliment, an acknowledgment, or a gift—we often hesitate. We brush off kind words, deflect praise, and downplay our accomplishments. This reluctance to receive can make one wonder: why do we find it so challenging to accept the kindness and recognition offered to us? Is it because, deep down, we struggle with feelings of unworthiness? 

The Struggle with Worthiness

The concept of worthiness is deeply embedded in our self-perception. The "W" in WISE Woman stands for Worthwhile. It signifies the importance of recognizing and valuing our own self-worth. However, many of us find it easier to accept our flaws and shortcomings than to believe in our innate worthiness. Why is it that we so readily believe the negative things about ourselves, yet struggle to trust in our positive attributes? 

A Culture of Giving

Culturally, women are often socialized to be nurturers and caregivers. From a young age, we are taught to put others' needs before our own. While there is profound beauty in this generosity, it can also lead to an imbalance where we become uncomfortable with receiving. We might feel that accepting help or praise makes us appear weak or needy, or we might believe that we must always be the givers to maintain our value. 

The Impact of Unworthiness

Feeling unworthy can have significant impacts on our lives. It can affect our self-esteem, our relationships, and our overall well-being. When we don't believe we are worthy of good things, we might push them away, sabotaging opportunities for happiness and success. This self-sabotage can create a cycle of negative thinking that reinforces our feelings of unworthiness. 

Embracing Our Worth

To break this cycle, we need to actively embrace our worthiness. This starts with a simple yet powerful practice: acknowledging and celebrating the things we like about ourselves. Take a moment right now to ponder at least three things that you like about YOU. Maybe it’s your compassion, your creativity, or your resilience. It could be your sense of humor, your intelligence, or your ability to connect with others. Whatever it is, hold onto these positive attributes and recognize that they are part of what makes you deserving of all the good things life has to offer. 

Practical Steps to Receiving

Here are some practical steps to help you become more comfortable with receiving:

1. Acknowledge Compliments: When someone compliments you, resist the urge to downplay it. Instead, simply say, “Thank you.” Let their words sink in and appreciate the acknowledgment.
2. Accept Help: If someone offers to help you, let them. Understand that accepting help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. It also allows others the opportunity to give, creating a balanced exchange.
3. Celebrate Achievements: Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Give yourself credit for your hard work and recognize that you deserve the success you achieve.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you offer to others. Remind yourself that you are deserving of love and respect.
5. Create Affirmations: Develop positive affirmations that reinforce your worthiness. Repeat them daily. For example, “I am worthy of love and respect,” or “I deserve to receive kindness and support.” 

The Wise Woman says . . .

When we start to see ourselves as worthwhile, everything changes. We begin to attract positive experiences and people into our lives. Our relationships improve because we are no longer pushing away the good that others want to share with us. We become more confident, more joyful, and more at peace with ourselves.

As you go about your day, take a moment to reflect on the positive things about yourself. Write them down if it helps. Whenever you find yourself deflecting a compliment or an act of kindness, pause and remind yourself that you are deserving. Be willing to receive. Just as you give generously, allow yourself to receive generously. In doing so, you’ll not only enrich your own life but also create a more balanced and harmonious exchange with those around you.

Remember, being a WISE Woman means recognizing that you are Worthwhile. Embrace your worthiness, and let yourself receive all the good that comes your way. You deserve it!