Sometimes in the name of being good we forget to be good to ourselves. We put so much energy into meeting other people’s needs that we fail to meet our own. And yet that doesn’t change that we have needs; it just pushes us to deny them or to find manipulative ways of getting them met.
For the longest time, I felt certain that good people put everyone else first. They stretch themselves, bend over backward, and even completely exhaust themselves if it means making everyone else happy.
I also thought giving would naturally invite reciprocity. Inevitably, after months of martyrdom, I’d feel frustrated that other people weren’t returning that kindness and meeting my expectations. The truth is that it wasn’t their job. It was my job to take care of my needs.
And it’s the same for all of us: only we can make the choice to receive.
Knowing firsthand how challenging it can be to find a balance between giving and taking, I was excited to read Amanda Owen’s new book The Power of Receiving.
On the surface, it may seem like a book about putting yourself first, but it’s so much more than that.
The Power of Receiving is about being able to receive without feeling obligated or indebted. It’s about finding the courage to be your authentic self so that you can invite other people’s genuine acceptance. And it’s about identifying and receiving the dreams that will fulfill you, professionally and personally.
From the back of the book:
“Combining age-old Eastern and Buddhist philosophy, quantum theory, and good old-fashioned common sense, The Power of Receiving unearths the key to restoring balance in your overscheduled, overextended life, and to finally attract the life you desire and deserve.”
Amanda has spent the last twenty years researching receptivity, and it shows throughout her book. Through engaging stories and exercises, she outlines a clear-cut path toward a greater sense of confidence, well-being, and satisfaction in life.
I’m generally not a proponent of books that suggest we should aspire for abundance because I personally don’t believe more is the key to happiness. But The Power of Receiving reminds us all that we shouldn’t be ashamed to pursue and attain enough.
We all have an intrinsic need and right to receive. Now all that’s left is to learn how.
For a Chance to Win a Free Copy of The Power of Receiving:
1. Join the Tiny Buddha list. (You must be a subscriber to be eligible to win!)
2. Comment below—and be sure to use Disqus or comment as guest so I have your email address to contact you if you win!
For an extra entry, tweet the following:
RT @tinybuddha Enter the Giveaway for The Power of Receiving http://bit.ly/hqXLhO
You can enter until midnight PST on Sunday, December 26th.
If you’d like to purchase a copy today, you can buy The Power of Receiving on Amazon. Just a reminder that once you click on that link, any purchases you make on Amazon generate income to support the site.
And now a note about holiday posting: because I would like to receive a couple of technology-free days, I will not be posting anything new on the site from Friday through Sunday. Tiny Buddha will return with daily wisdom on Monday.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Top photo by Natasha d.H
FTC Disclosure: I receive complimentary books for reviews and interviews on tinybuddha.com, but I am not compensated for writing or obligated to write anything specific. I am an Amazon affiliate, meaning I earn a percentage of all books purchased through the links I provide on this site.
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others do the same. She recently created the Breaking Barriers to Self-Care eCourse to help people honor their needs—so they can feel their best, be their best, and live their best possible life. If you’re ready to start thriving instead of merely surviving, you can learn more and get instant access here.
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