Amanda Owen (2)

This was a super quick, easy read about the power of opening up to receive everything the Universe has to offer. While I thought Owen made some good points about the self-help industry and women's obsession with self-esteem, she put way too much emphasis on blaming other people for our feelings. I kept waiting for her to talk about personal responsibility and the many ways we can feel better without needing anyone else to do the dishes or take out the garbage, but it never came.

I also wanted more of an in-depth discussion of certain topics that were glossed over. It's as though I was reading a lengthy magazine article on the topic of receiving, rather than a fully fleshed-out book.… (mais)

I bet you are an amazing Giver. You like to give presents. You like to nurture. If you someone needs assistance, you help in a second. You give, give, and give.

I also bet you’re not a great Receiver, and that’s why your life feels out of whack.

You see: When you became a better Receiver, you are setting yourself up for better success. You will achieve your goals (including financial ones) easier. Lower stress, better health, increased happiness, and amazing empowerment all await if you take the time to Receive better. And that’s exactly what Born to Receive will teach you.

Women who want to get louder need to take up more space in The Universe. I love the subtitle to Amanda Owen’s book Born To Receive: 7 Powerful Steps Women Can Take Today to Reclaim Their Half of the Universe. YES! Here are the seven steps Amanda takes you through:

1. Pay attention to your feelings and trust your intuition
2. Know what you want
3. Ask for help and accept it when it’s offered
4. Be grateful and say thank you
5. Create full reciprocity in your relationships
6. Don’t put yourself last or you won’t last
7. Be respectful to the past, have a vision for your future, but live in the moment

Don’t you feel empowered reading this list? Amanda’s exercises and pep talks are even more empowering. This is a book you will highlight, take notes in, and use Post-It Notes on numerous pages.

My big takeaways:

#1: Speak up and share what you’re feeling

On age 46, Amanda asks: “Do you push down your feelings because speaking up would risk conflict, cause discomfort, or disappoint someone?” Dangit, YES!

When you squelch your feelings, you are not in a Receiving State, which is the place you need to manifest what you want. It’s not healthy for your body and your friendships; not to mention, you are worthy of expressing your opinions.

#2: Get help before you absolutely need it

In my house, I do most of the domestic chores. After reading this section of Born To Receive, I am committed to change. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but when I don’t get the help I need, it disrupts the balance between Giver and Receiver. For some people, including me, asking for help takes practice, but as you do, you will strengthen your asking powers. As you get in balance, you will begin to receive more amazing stuff. Sign me up!

#3: Conflict is part of life

My comfort zone is a conflict-free one. I was raised in a house with two parents who fought verbally – sometimes saying nasty things to each other – and their fighting made me uncomfortable (and sometimes scared). My childhood shaped me into a person who avoids conflict. I would rather do something myself, or bite my tongue, or sit and stew about something, than speak up and create conflict.

I am working on this, for sure, and getting better. My first step? Acknowledging that conflict is part of life. We can’t avoid conflicts – and we shouldn’t.

How Born To Receive relates to entrepreneurs:

Born To Receive is a self-help book that is a must-read for female entrepreneurs who want to get louder with their businesses. To get louder, you must be good at receiving. Receiving compensation, compliments, criticism, referrals, applause, boos – it’s all part of the territory. With the tools taught in this book, you will be able to handle getting louder with more confidence. Not only that, you will feel better.

If you are ready to uplevel your business, then read Born to Receive to first uplevel your mindset. With a primed Receiver muscle, you will be ready to accept the most amazing things.… (mais)