Are You Blocking Yourself from Receiving?

And What’s It Costing You?

We all say we want more joy, love, abundance, and success. But somehow, those things don’t stick. Why not?

How are you blocking yourself from receiving all the goodness that is awaiting you?

Often, it’s because deep inside, there’s a quiet resistance: fears, anxieties, and beliefs—sometimes formed in childhood—that say, “I’m not deserving,” “It’s not safe,” or “There’s never enough.” Like invisible walls, they keep blessings from flowing in.

The Hidden Legacy of Trauma and Limiting Beliefs

Research into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shows that trauma in early life—ranging from neglect to emotional abuse—impacts brain development, stress responses, and emotional regulation well into adulthood. Sixty-four percent of adults report at least one ACE, and more than 17.3% report four or more (CDC, 2024). These early wounds don’t just affect mental and physical health—they also shape how we receive love, recognition, and abundance.

The Shattered Assumptions Theory, proposed by Ronnie Janoff-Bulman, explains that trauma can tear apart our fundamental beliefs: “The world is safe,” “People are reliable,” and “I am worthy.” Once these beliefs fracture, we unconsciously resist anything that could reinforce them—even if it’s good.

That means when someone offers genuine praise or an opportunity arises, your inner system may interpret it as danger—something to be deflected. You might shrink away, sabotage, or downplay. But every no you unconsciously say has real costs: missed relationships, unclaimed opportunities, and untapped potential.

6 Ways to Open the Channel to Receive

Here are six powerful practices to help you loosen the grip of resistance and let the goodness flow in:

1. Begin to Recognize Resistance Patterns

Start to notice when you:

• Brush off compliments (“It was nothing…”).
• Feel anxious at the idea of abundance.
• Say “I’m fine” when you’re not.
• Self-sabotage when success approaches.

Tip: Keep a small journal of moments you feel shut down. Awareness is the first step in dissolving resistance.

2. Pause & Breathe into Discomfort

Resistance surfaces as tension, tightness, or avoidance. When that arises:

1. Pause.
2. Take a few deep, calming breaths.
3. Ask: What am I protecting myself from?
4. Consider: What could I allow instead?

This slows the reactive mind and opens space for choice.

3. Challenge Old Beliefs

Limiting stories—like “I’m not good enough”—often trace back to childhood messages. These beliefs don’t define your worth now.

Whenever one appears:

• Name it (“Ah, there’s the ‘not enough’ story.”)
• Question it (“Is this absolutely true?”)
• Reframe it (“I am learning. I am allowed to grow.”)
• Reinforce a new belief (“I am enough just as I am.”)

Replacing negative beliefs with affirmations rewires your mental habit circuits over time.

4. Practice Grounding & Body Awareness

Because many traumas lodge in the body, working only on the mind to shift the beliefs oftentimes isn’t enough.

Here are some daily practices to try on:

• Do a 5‑minute body scan. Notice tight spots.
• Ground physically—walk barefoot outside, connecting with the earth and grass.
• Use mindful breathing to relax those tense areas.

This teaches your nervous system that receiving is safe.

5. Cultivate Gratitude and an Abundance Mindset

Positive psychology research shows that gratitude journaling and imagining your “best future self” reduces depression and boosts emotional well‑being.

Try this weekly:

1. Write down three things you’re genuinely glad for.
2. Reflect on why—not just what.
3. Visualize abundance flowing into your future (health, love, creativity).

This trains your brain to recognize safety, opportunity, and your inherent deservedness.

6. Anchor Your Intention

Choose a simple intention word or phrase—Receive, Worthy, Openness, Ease, or “I welcome love and goodness.”

Each morning try this:

• Repeat your intention 3 times
• Create a physical anchor: press thumb and forefinger together or place hand on heart.

When resistance returns, use your anchor to refocus and open.

What’s It Costing You Not to Receive?

Every time we resist, we diminish our own lives. But every time we pause and open, we reclaim our natural potential.

The Support You’re Seeking

If this rings true for you, you’re not alone.

Good news though! Old wounds don’t have to be permanent barriers. With the right combination of compassionate awareness, movement, mindset work, and support, you can re‑open to love, abundance, well-being and ease.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to begin, I’m here to help.

Imagine what your life can look and feel like on the other side of:

• Identifying your unique resistance patterns
• Releasing fear and transforming beliefs
• Cultivating greater self‑worth and joy in all aspects of your life and career

As you rewire old patterns into new empowering beliefs, actions and habits of mind, you’ll embody a more confident way of moving through the world each and every day.

Ready to Receive More?

Reach out today to schedule your Clarity Call.

Together we can explore what blocks are in th way of you allowing more joy, love, and abundance int your daily life.

You are worthy.

You are safe to receive.

The Universe is waiting with open arms for you to say YES to all you deserve.

And it would be my honor to walk with you along this path of self-growth and discovery.

Michele Molitor, CPCC, CCHT, is a certified coach, clinical hypnotherapist, and co-author of the bestselling and award-winning book I Am Perfectly Flawsome—How Embracing Imperfection Makes Us Better. She coaches high-achieving professionals in reducing their overwhelm and reclaiming their self-confidence, calm, and clarity to create a thriving life and career.

Connect with her directly to unlock your potential and confidently step into your power.

Someday Starts Now. Unlock the Power of You.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About adverse childhood experiences.https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html#:~:text=Quick%20facts%20and%20stats,or%20more%20types%20of%20ACEs.

Chowdhury, M. R. (2019)
Chowdhury, M. R. (2019). Positive psychology: The neuroscience of gratitude and effects on the brain.PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/#:~:text=Gratitude%20improves%20health,and%20enthusiasm%20to%20work%20harder.

Janoff-Bulman, R. (1992)
Janoff-Bulman, R. (1992). Shattered assumptions: Towards a new psychology of trauma. Free Press. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1992-97250-000

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