In John David Mann’s and my Go-Giver book series we discuss the fifth and final law, that of Receptivity and how challenging it can be for so many.
In one sense, the abundance of lack messages permeating our daily lives can create a focus on what is missing rather than on all the natural prosperity surrounding us.
Then, there are worthiness issues that rear their ugly heads from time-to-time. “Am I deserving enough to receive?”
Adding to the above receptivity challenges is that they both typically work on an unconscious level where the person is not even aware that the issues exist!
There’s another aspect to receptivity though that can also stand in the way. While it’s on more of a conscious level, it also means we knowingly have to face some possible fears.
Receptivity can be a fragile thing, because to be receptive, you must leave yourself open. Keeping yourself genuinely open to a yes also means you expose yourself to a possible no.
Having the courage to embrace an unexpected path also means embracing the risk that this path may lead nowhere — or nowhere good.
Perhaps this is the most challenging thing about being receptive: it means allowing yourself to be vulnerable.
The key is to embrace that vulnerability and, rather than letting potentially uncomfortable experiences diminish your joy and sense of fulfillment, let them deepen your ability to receive the abundance you desire.
Your thoughts? We’d love to…receive them.
We loving seeing all the new members of our Go-Giver Ambassadors Facebook group. Every morning, my awesome business partner, Kathy Tagenel posts an inspiring quote from John David Mann’s and my, Go-Giver book series that is designed to start your day off right and give you something to keep in mind throughout the day. Check out today’s inspirational quote at http://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGiverAmbassadors/
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Love this read Bob – great share!!!
From years of discovering the reality of coping with a disabling illness in a world that views those in such circumstances in a very negative to indifferent way — I have had to discover the ‘joy’ of ‘organic growth’ in learning survival when faced with coping with these circumstances. The first experience I had was when those I had trusted, when well and part of an active life, were quick to ‘leave me in the dust’ when illness hit or to attempt to exploit my crisis for their own personal gain. The trauma from that is still attempting to ‘settle’. I’m thankful for our connected ‘global community’ in our sharing and building relationships. It is a life-force that has been a true joy to be a part of.
Thank you for all the good you do. 🙂
Patricia: Thank you for your kind feedback. And, thank you so much for giving so much of yourself in sharing your story with us. I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through the challenges, both of your disabling illness and the disappointments with your friends. We are thankful to YOU for being part of our community. I hope you can receive our love!
Wow Bob,
You’ve done it again. Your insights are spot on – especially facing the risk of allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. In my case, I typically believe my difficulty in receiving is based on a question of worthiness…perhaps it’s also the vulnerability. Love this post.
Bill: Thank you for your kind comments. And, for being so open with us. I’m pretty sure these issues are included in that area that pretty much all of us need to continue to work on to one degree to another. Thank you for sharing with us!
Yes! My inability to be vulnerable had stopped me from being receptive to so many things in the past. I still struggle with it daily, but the safety of my family and friends helps me continue on this road.
…and there is so much abundance around me to receive, let alone give.
The vulnerability, and occasional pain it causes is so worth the abundance!
Great post, Bob!
Enjoy the Journey!
Mary Kathryn: Wow – very powerfully said! Thank you for sharing that (and sharing yourself) with us!
Bob,
As someone who has been inspired by you since the day we first connected, I’ve learned to embrace giving to the point where I’m giving something away each day this year in a project I call #365DaysOfGiving. What I have come to learn is that many are reluctant to receive and it was only after I opened myself to receiving that I learned the value that comes with it. You are dead on that it takes vulenerability. I trying to help others learn this as I have though each day I give something away. As I remind myself, and others, you can not truly give until you learn to receive.
Tim: Thank you for your kind words, and for sharing with us what you’re doing and what you’ve discovered. Very important lesson. Thanks again!
Bob,
Thanks again for this refresher on Rule 5.
Your articles and thoughts always result in a deep look at the mirror.
I must admit I am not the best receptive person. The question that always plays on my mind is not if I am deserving. Its the concern if by being receptive I am passing onto a feeling of entitlement. And feeling entitled cannot be good.
I know I have to fight my own daemons! But your articles and books are one of the best compasses I have ever had! Thank you.
-Arijit
Arijit: Thank you, both for your kind words and for sharing your own personal struggles with this. The interesting paradox is that if you are concerned about (and conscious *of*) feeling entitled, the chances are excellent it’s *not* something that is actually an issue (other than in your thoughts). Of course, it’s one thing to know that logically and another to know it on a deep emotional issue. Keep working on it, my friend. I have no doubt that what you receive is rightly earned! (An excellent book on this topic that I often recommend is Maxwell Maltz’ 1960 classic, “Psycho-Cybernetics.”)
Bob: There is risk in opening up. I am a risk averse person in this arena – still working on being open and receptive. I have learned that often what I receive I can pass along to some else who might need to hear just that message. Risk taking is, IMO, always a part of growth. You hit it right on the head: I never know what might happen if I open up. I’m learning, better to take the risk rather than live with the regret that often comes from not risking.
John
John: Many thanks for sharing that – and sharing yourself – with us. Indeed, there sure is that risk. And, it’s always a growth process. You explained it with excellence, my friend! Thanks again!
I’m enjoying this conversation. This is the greatness of the ‘global community’ of the internet — making us all neighbors. 🙂 Thank you Bob for sharing your goodness with us — much appreciated.
Thank you, Patricia. Glad to have you as one of my many global neighbors! 🙂