The Art of Receiving: Why Accepting Gifts and Appreciation Matters

As my birthday approaches this year, I’ve been reflecting on something that many of us struggle with: receiving.

Whether it’s a compliment, a thoughtful gesture, loving touch, or a generous gift, many of us find it easier to give than to ask for what we really want or receive without worry, guilt, or fear.

‘Do I deserve this?’ ‘Am I asking for too much?’ ‘Will they expect something in return?’ ‘Does this gift come from a place of overflowing love or will it foster resentment?’ ‘What if I’m disappointed?’

I’ve made a recent pact with myself of this: Whenever I think of something sweet to do, say, or get someone - for the most part, I just do it. The world has enough complaints, criticisms, and scarcity. Some of the things I love the most are gifts and compliments (like a lot of us!). I have no control over whether someone likes what I’ve gotten them (though I tend to be quite a great gift giver!) or if they have their own work to do around their sense of worth or feelings around receiving something - but it feels good to do something thoughtful while the inspiration strikes and feel that sweetness (and vulnerability!) in my heart.

Learning to accept appreciation is such a powerful way to deepen connections and to really open ourselves up to feeling the love or appreciation someone feels for us.

The Vulnerability of Receiving

Receiving (and giving) can be quite vulnerable. When someone offers us a gift, whether it is physical, an action, or words, they are showing us who they are, who we are to them, and the feeling they have with us. When we accept that offering, we’re allowing ourselves to be seen as worthy of their care and attention.

This requires a level of openness (to love!) that can feel uncomfortable, particularly for those of us who pride ourselves on being independent and self-sufficient.

In my work, I’ve seen this discomfort with receiving often mirrors bigger patterns in how people approach intimacy. The clients who struggle most with letting themselves be pampered and receive pleasure, are often the ones that are always giving to others.

I love to give people who are the provider, the giver, the unloved lover, a chance to slowly come back into their own bodies, opening themselves up to more relaxation and pleasure then they’ve probably ever felt whether that’s through a sensual massage, tantric massage, or a couple’s sensual massage.

And also, by doing so, they become an even more embodied giver and able to give more effectively, with greater range and attunement to themselves and the people they love in their life.

Learning the skills and practicing embodiment creates more powerful leaders, partners, parents, and lovers.

It feels great to give! And when we can open our hearts, it also feels great to receive.

Birthday Celebrations as Relationship Rituals

Birthdays offer a particularly powerful opportunity for this kind of meaningful appreciation. There’s something primal about celebrating the anniversary of someone’s birth - it’s an acknowledgment of their fundamental worth, independent of anything they’ve achieved or provided.

When someone chooses to honor your birthday, they’re saying, “I’m grateful you exist. I’m glad you’re in my life.” This kind of appreciation transcends transactional relationships and moves into the realm of genuine care and connection.

For those of us in service-oriented professions, birthday celebrations can be especially meaningful. They remind us that our value isn’t solely tied to what we do, but to who we are. They create space for our clients and professional community to express appreciation not just for our skills, but for our presence in their lives.

Creating Space for Appreciation

As my birthday approaches, I’m choosing to create intentional space for receiving. This means being open to the various ways people might want to show appreciation—whether through thoughtful messages, meaningful gifts, or generous contributions to my continued growth and well-being.

This isn’t about expectation. It’s about recognizing that when we allow others to celebrate us, we’re creating opportunities for connection, gratitude, and joy.

For those who’ve been part of my journey this year—whether as clients, readers, or members of the broader community—I want you to know that your presence in my life is already a gift. And if you feel moved to celebrate this milestone with me, I’m practicing the art of receiving your kindness with an open heart.

Gifting in a Professional Relationship

Choosing to honor your guide or muse with a thoughtful gesture, whether it’s a heartfelt note, a meaningful gift, or financial appreciation, is not just showing gratitude for the ways they impact your life as a confidante, teacher, or inspiration but also investing in the relationship itself.

The investment creates a reciprocal energy. When we allow others to show appreciation for our work, we’re giving them the gift of contribution. We’re letting them participate in our success and well-being, which deepens their connection to the transformation they’re experiencing.

I am someone who loves pretty clothes, vacations, jewelry, and spa days - but I also LOVE investing into my brokerage account, Roth IRA, cryptocurrency, and continuing education.

I am so delighted to receive a gift investing in my future, stocks, bonds, my retirement fund, and my education.

I’m a happier me and a better facilitator the more time I spend on my own rest and self-work. It comes out in everything I do. And when you receive the things that are nourishing to you, your heart, body, and soul - from that full cup, you are more effective at work, more loving to your loved ones, and moving through life relaxed, at peace and ease while you do all of it.

The Birthday Invitation

So as this special day approaches, I’m extending an invitation: if my work has touched your life in some way, if our connection has brought you value, and if you feel called to celebrate this moment with me, I would be honored to receive whatever form of appreciation feels authentic to you.

Whether it’s a heartfelt message sharing how our work together has impacted you, a thoughtful gift that made you think of me, or a financial contribution to support my continued education and growth in this field, all forms of celebration are welcome and deeply appreciated.

If you’d like to celebrate my birthday with a gift or contribution, you can reach out directly or send something via my wishlist or payment methods.

MY WISHLIST 💗

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. 💗