Hey beautiful souls! 🌟

If you’ve ever felt awkward when someone gives you a compliment, struggled to accept help, or found yourself brushing off gifts and kindness, you’re not alone. So many of us have a complicated relationship with receiving. We’re taught to be givers, to be strong, to put others first but when it comes to letting good things flow our way? That’s where things get sticky.

Today, I want to get real about the invisible barriers we build around receiving. We’ll unpack five of the most common limiting beliefs that block abundance, love, and support from entering our lives. And because I’m all about practical healing, I’ll walk you through Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping scripts for each belief so you can actually start shifting your energy and welcoming more goodness in.

This isn’t just a list. It’s a journey. So grab a cozy drink, settle in, and let’s unravel these beliefs together. By the end, I hope you’ll feel lighter, more open, and ready to let the universe (and the people around you) spoil you a little. Because you deserve it.

Why Is Receiving So Hard?

Let’s start with a confession: I used to be absolutely terrible at receiving. Compliments made me squirm. Gifts left me feeling indebted. If someone offered me help, I’d insist, “No, I’m fine!” even when I was drowning. Sound familiar?

Turns out, I’m not alone. Many of us especially those who identify as empaths, caregivers, or perfectionists find it easier to give than to receive. We’re quick to show up for others, but when it’s our turn to be on the receiving end? Cue the discomfort, guilt, or even shame.

But here’s the thing: receiving is not selfish, weak, or greedy. It’s a vital part of the human experience. When we receive, we allow others to give. We create space for deeper connection. And, perhaps most importantly, we signal to ourselves (and the universe) that we are worthy of love, abundance, and support.

So why do we resist it? Most of the time, it comes down to limiting beliefs those sneaky, deep-rooted thoughts that whisper, “You don’t deserve this,” or, “It’s better to give than to get.” The good news? Beliefs can be changed. And that’s where EFT tapping comes in.

What Is EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Tapping?

If you’re new to EFT, here’s the quick version: EFT is a mind-body technique that combines gentle tapping on specific acupressure points with focused statements about what’s bothering you. Think of it as emotional acupuncture without the needles.

EFT helps you acknowledge your feelings, release old patterns, and rewire your brain for new beliefs. It’s been shown to reduce anxiety, lower stress, and even help with physical pain (The Tapping Solution). And yes, it’s a powerful tool for breaking through blocks around receiving.

The 5 Most Common Limiting Beliefs About Receiving (And How to Heal Them)

Let’s dive into the five beliefs that most often keep us from receiving freely. For each one, I’ll share real-life examples, gentle reflections, and a full EFT tapping script you can use right now.

1. “I Don’t Deserve It”

The Belief

This one is a classic. Maybe you grew up hearing, “You have to earn good things,” or, “Don’t get too big for your britches.” Or maybe you internalized criticism and started to believe you’re not worthy of love, kindness, or abundance.

This belief can show up as:

  • Downplaying your achievements (“It was nothing!”)
  • Feeling guilty when good things happen to you
  • Sabotaging opportunities or relationships

Why It Holds You Back

When you believe you don’t deserve good things, you unconsciously block them from your life. You might push away compliments, refuse help, or settle for less than you truly want. Over time, this creates a cycle of lack and self-doubt.

Let’s Get Personal

I remember the first time someone told me, “You deserve to be happy.” My knee-jerk reaction was, “Do I, though?” Years of perfectionism and people-pleasing had convinced me that happiness was something I had to earn—by working harder, being nicer, or shrinking myself to fit others’ expectations.

But the truth is, deserving isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being human.

EFT Tapping Script

  • Karate Chop (side of hand): “Even though I feel I don’t deserve good things, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
  • Eyebrow: “I don’t deserve love.”
  • Side of Eye: “Good things always happen to others, not me.”
  • Under Eye: “I fear I’ll screw it up if I receive it.”
  • Under Nose: “It’s safer to stay in my comfort zone.”
  • Chin: “I release the belief that I don’t deserve to receive.”
  • Collarbone: “I am open to receiving good things.”
  • Under Arm: “I am worthy of love, success, and joy.”

Repeat this sequence as many times as you need, breathing deeply and letting any emotions come up. It’s okay to cry, laugh, or feel resistance—just keep tapping and notice what shifts.

2. “Receiving is Selfish”

The Belief

Somewhere along the line, many of us picked up the idea that it’s better to give than to receive. Maybe you were praised for being selfless, or maybe you saw adults in your life sacrifice their own needs for others. The message? Taking is selfish. Giving is noble.

This belief can show up as:

  • Feeling awkward when someone offers you help
  • Rejecting gifts or compliments
  • Over-giving to the point of exhaustion

Why It Holds You Back

When you equate receiving with selfishness, you cut yourself off from support, love, and abundance. You might also start to resent others for not giving back—or feel depleted from always being the giver.

Real Talk

I used to pride myself on being “low maintenance.” I’d say things like, “I don’t need anything,” or, “I’m just happy to help!” But deep down, I craved support. I wanted to be taken care of, too. It took me years to realize that receiving is not selfish—it’s necessary. When I let others give to me, I create a beautiful cycle of generosity and gratitude.

EFT Tapping Script

  • Karate Chop: “Even though I think receiving is selfish, I choose to embrace my worth.”
  • Eyebrow: “It feels wrong to receive from others.”
  • Side of Eye: “I shouldn’t take more than I give.”
  • Under Eye: “I fear being judged for accepting help.”
  • Under Nose: “Receiving means I’m weak.”
  • Chin: “I release the belief that receiving is selfish.”
  • Collarbone: “I can balance giving and receiving.”
  • Under Arm: “It’s okay to accept help and love.”

3. “I’ll Be Rejected”

The Belief

Ah, rejection. It stings. For many of us, the fear of being turned down or judged is so strong that we’d rather not ask for what we need at all. We’d rather go without than risk a “no.”

This belief can show up as:

  • Not asking for help, even when you need it
  • Avoiding vulnerability in relationships
  • Feeling unworthy of attention or affection

Why It Holds You Back

Fear of rejection keeps you playing small. It stops you from expressing your needs, pursuing opportunities, or deepening your connections. And ironically, it can make you feel even more isolated and unseen.

Story Time

I’ll never forget the time I needed help moving apartments. I agonized over whether to ask a friend for help, convinced she’d say no or secretly resent me. When I finally worked up the courage, she was delighted to help—and our friendship grew even stronger. Sometimes, asking is the bravest thing you can do.

EFT Tapping Script

  • Karate Chop: “Even though I fear rejection, I choose to face this fear.”
  • Eyebrow: “What if they say ‘no’?”
  • Side of Eye: “I hate feeling rejected.”
  • Under Eye: “It’s easier to not ask than risk being turned away.”
  • Under Nose: “Rejection feels so painful.”
  • Chin: “I release the fear of rejection.”
  • Collarbone: “It’s okay to ask for what I need.”
  • Under Arm: “Rejection doesn’t define my worth.”

4. “There’s Not Enough to Go Around”

The Belief

This is the scarcity mindset in action. Maybe you grew up hearing, “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” or, “Don’t take more than your share.” The idea is that if you receive something, there’s less left for everyone else.

This belief can show up as:

  • Feeling guilty for having more than others
  • Downplaying your desires (“I don’t need much”)
  • Resisting abundance because you’re afraid it’s unfair

Why It Holds You Back

Scarcity thinking keeps you stuck in lack. It makes you afraid to ask for what you want, and it can even create resentment toward others who have what you desire. But the truth is, abundance is not a zero-sum game. There is enough love, money, joy, and opportunity for everyone.

My Experience

I used to feel guilty for wanting more more rest, more money, more love. I worried that if I received, someone else would go without. But as I started to embrace abundance, I realized that my joy doesn’t take away from anyone else’s. In fact, it often inspires others to claim their own abundance, too.

EFT Tapping Script

  • Karate Chop: “Even though I think there’s not enough, I choose to embrace abundance.”
  • Eyebrow: “If I receive, someone else will miss out.”
  • Side of Eye: “I worry that abundance is limited.”
  • Under Eye: “What if I take more than my share?”
  • Under Nose: “I fear there won’t be enough left for others.”
  • Chin: “I release thoughts of scarcity.”
  • Collarbone: “There is enough for everyone.”
  • Under Arm: “I can receive without taking away from others.”

5. “I Don’t Know How to Accept”

The Belief

Sometimes, it’s not about worthiness or scarcity—it’s just plain awkwardness. Maybe you freeze up when someone compliments you. Maybe you don’t know how to say “thank you” without blushing. Maybe you feel weird when someone offers you a gift or help.

This belief can show up as:

  • Deflecting compliments (“Oh, this old thing?”)
  • Feeling embarrassed when someone gives you something
  • Not knowing how to accept help or kindness

Why It Holds You Back

If you don’t know how to accept, you miss out on the joy of connection. You deny others the pleasure of giving. And you rob yourself of the chance to feel seen, valued, and loved.

Let’s Get Real

I used to cringe when someone complimented me. My instinct was to deflect or make a joke. But I realized that accepting graciously is a gift not just to myself, but to the giver. Now, I practice saying, “Thank you. That means a lot to me.” It’s simple, but powerful.

EFT Tapping Script

  • Karate Chop: “Even though I struggle to accept, I choose to learn how to accept gracefully.”
  • Eyebrow: “I freeze up when someone compliments me.”
  • Side of Eye: “I don’t know how to say ‘thank you’ genuinely.”
  • Under Eye: “I feel embarrassed when someone gives me something.”
  • Under Nose: “It’s hard to accept without feeling awkward.”
  • Chin: “I release this discomfort around accepting.”
  • Collarbone: “I’m learning to receive with grace and gratitude.”
  • Under Arm: “Accepting is a strength, not a weakness.”

Practical Tips for Becoming a Better Receiver

Healing your beliefs is powerful, but let’s get practical too. Here are some real-life ways to practice receiving:

  • Pause Before Deflecting: When someone offers you a compliment or gift, take a breath. Let it land before you respond.
  • Practice Saying “Thank You”: That’s it. No explanation, no self-deprecation. Just a simple, “Thank you.”
  • Let Others Help: Next time someone offers to help whether it’s carrying groceries or listening to you vent say yes. Notice how it feels.
  • Notice Your Triggers: Pay attention to moments when you feel uncomfortable receiving. What thoughts come up? Use tapping to work through them.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Every time you receive something (a compliment, a smile, a favor), acknowledge it. Let yourself feel grateful and worthy.

The Ripple Effect of Receiving

Here’s something I wish someone had told me years ago: receiving is a gift to others, too. When you let someone give to you, you honor their generosity. You deepen your connection. You create a beautiful flow of giving and receiving that uplifts everyone involved.

Think about it: how good does it feel to give someone a gift or help a friend? When you receive, you allow others to experience that joy, too.

EFT and the Science of Belief Change

If you’re curious about the science, EFT tapping has been shown to lower cortisol, reduce anxiety, and help rewire the brain for new beliefs (NIH). When you tap while focusing on a limiting belief, you’re literally calming your nervous system and making it easier for your brain to accept new, empowering thoughts.

Receiving as Self-Love

At the end of the day, learning to receive is an act of self-love. It’s about honoring your needs, trusting your worth, and allowing yourself to be supported. It’s about saying, “I matter. I am enough. I am open to the goodness life wants to give me.”

If you’re a creative, a healer, or someone who values emotional intelligence and self-growth, embracing receiving is a vital part of your journey. It’s not about taking more than you give it’s about creating balance, wholeness, and joy in your life.

Your Turn: Try the Tapping Scripts

Pick one belief that feels most true for you. Set aside five minutes, find a quiet space, and walk yourself through the tapping script. Notice what comes up—emotions, memories, resistance. Be gentle with yourself. Healing is a process, not a race.

If you want, journal about your experience. What did you notice? Did any new insights arise? The more you practice, the easier it becomes.

Final Thoughts: Let the Goodness In

You are a treasure in this universe. You are worthy of kindness, abundance, and love not because of what you do, but simply because you exist. The world needs your light, and you deserve to let good things flow your way.

So next time someone offers you a compliment, a helping hand, or a little extra love, take a deep breath and let yourself receive it. You’re not being selfish. You’re not taking away from anyone else. You’re honoring the sacred dance of giving and receiving that makes life so beautiful.

Happy tapping, and may you receive all the goodness your heart can hold! 👐💖

Further Resources:

If you found this helpful, share your experience or favorite tapping script in the comments! And remember: you are worthy, you are loved, and it’s safe to let the abundance in.

EFT Tapping, Limiting Beliefs