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Being unable to receive is a reactionary behavior—an emotional response to external stimuli. When something triggers you, the ego perceives it as a failure to protect you. In these moments, the ego reacts dramatically, shifting blame to people, places, or circumstances. This reactive energy gives power to external forces, allowing them to shape your actions and the course of your life.
At its core, the struggle to receive stems from a limiting belief that holds power over you.
The Hardest Words to Say
This morning, I came across an Instagram post that asked: “Which is harder to say—‘I’m sorry,’ ‘I need help,’ or ‘I love you’?”
Overwhelmingly, people, myself included, chose “I need help” as the hardest thing to say.
Memories came flooding back to me. I’ve always been prideful (something I’m actively working on). I recall a moment when I was 14. My youth group leader asked if my family had a turkey for Thanksgiving. I said “yes,” but the truth was, we didn’t. At the same age, my gym teacher put his arm around me, expressed his condolences, and asked what I needed. He was genuine and ready to help in any way he could. But I said nothing—not because I didn’t want help, but because I didn’t know how to articulate what I needed.
That year, my freshman year of high school, was the hardest time of my life. I struggled with suicidal thoughts and tendencies. I couldn’t ask for help because I didn’t have the words to explain what I was experiencing.
If my words resonate with you, please reach out to someone who can help.
Call or text 988, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) in the U.S.
In the U.K., call 116 123.
You don’t have to have the words. Someone is ready to listen, and you deserve their help. There is no shame in asking for it.
Why its Hard to Receive
The inability to receive—whether it’s help, compliments, love, apologies, or constructive criticism—often stems from a deeply ingrained limiting belief. Even though your body and soul know you need love, support, or growth, fear creates barriers that prevent you from accepting them.
The root of this limiting belief? You don’t feel worthy.
You may feel too flawed, undeserving, or unlovable. Perhaps you distrust others’ intentions or believe there must be strings attached. Thoughts like “Why would someone do this for me?” or “What do they expect in return?” dominate your mind.
While these beliefs may seem unshakable, they are not your truth. They are false narratives influenced by past experiences.
Here are some possible reasons to explore:
A defense mechanism against intimacy.
Fear of losing control.
Distrust or fear of ulterior motives.
The belief is that receiving is selfish.
Self-imposed pressure to reciprocate or fear of being in someone’s debt.
The Role of Self-Worth in Receiving
If you can give freely but struggle to receive, it’s likely because you feel invalidated or unworthy. Emotional barriers may prevent you from letting others in or even seeing your true self. To break through these barriers, you need to love and accept yourself fully.
Your level of satisfaction with life directly correlates to your self-esteem and self-acceptance.
Wanting positive change without believing you’re worthy of it creates feelings of helplessness. Similarly, taking action without self-love can lead to defeat because, on a subconscious level, you don’t believe you deserve success or happiness.
The Path to Change
Healing requires untangling the energetic connections of past experiences. This process isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary.
Moon work is one way to quiet the ego and journey toward self-love and self-acceptance. By turning down the ego’s volume, you can rediscover the unique light you bring to this world. When you embrace who you truly are, you reclaim your power and open yourself to receiving all the love, support, and opportunities you deserve.
Creating lasting change doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a series of small, intentional shifts over time. Like the moon’s phases, it’s a cycle—a rhythm that guides you back to yourself.
How Moon Work Can Help
Moon work is a consistent practice of self-reflection and growth, aligned with the moon’s natural cycles.
During the new moon, set intentions for the life you want to create.
In the waxing phases, take inspired action to attract growth and progress.
The full moon illuminates hidden truths and reveals what may be holding you back.
As the moon wanes, focus on letting go, forgiving, and releasing what no longer serves you.
By following this cyclical practice, you create space for self-love and acceptance, making it easier to receive all the abundance life has to offer.
You Are Worthy
The journey to self-love and acceptance starts with the belief that you are worthy—worthy of love, help, success, and happiness.
When you shift your perspective from “I don’t deserve this” to “I am worthy of receiving,” you transform your energy. This shift allows you to embrace the truth of who you are and to create a life filled with meaning and purpose.
Start Your Journey
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. My book, Wild Moon Healing, is a guide to using moon work as a transformative tool for self-discovery and growth. Learn how to quiet the ego, release limiting beliefs, and step into a life of self-love and acceptance.
Discover how moon work can help you thrive—order your copy of Wild Moon Healing today.
What limiting beliefs have made it hard to receive? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your story.
Learn how to do moon work and create a routine that will help you thrive in my book, Wild Moon Healing.
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