Dear Reader,
Something happened that totally surprised me—and it left me feeling a little weird and really humbled.
I had gone to do something I do all the time—facilitate a workshop and be of service.
But what unfolded left me feeling both deeply seen and unexpectedly off-balance.
There was praise. There were photos. There were hallway encounters that cracked me open in the best way.
And in the middle of it all, I realized: I still have growing to do when it comes to receiving.
Curious where this is going? Then keep reading.
Now let's get ALIGNED...
Inspirational Quote
"Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you."
- Marianne Williamson
The Story
A week and a half ago, I traveled to Reno to deliver two workshops at a conference.
Each one had around 300 people in attendance. I felt grounded, in flow, and fully aligned with my purpose.
After the first session, a line of people formed near the front. I figured they had questions or wanted to share reflections. Some did.
But then one person asked to take a selfie. Then another. And another.
Before I knew it, I was in photo after photo, smiling with people I had just met.
It was strange. I've never had that happen before.
I let people know I was offering another session the next day. It looked full, but I said they could try to get in.
The next day, I showed up early—and there was a line of about 20 people outside, hoping to grab a seat in case someone didn’t show.
That second workshop brought more heartfelt connections.
More photos.
More people stopping me in the hallway to say how much the sessions meant to them.
One man told me he always looks for my name on the conference schedule and signs up for whatever I offer.
A woman told me it was the best workshop she had ever attended.
I was deeply moved. And at the same time... I wasn’t sure how to hold it all.
Something inside of me wanted to deflect or disappear.
The Spiritual Lesson
It’s easy to serve from the heart. But it takes spiritual courage to receive from the heart, too.
So many of us—especially those of us on a path of service—are wired to brush off praise.
We downplay it. We make a joke. We move on quickly.
We think it’s more “humble” that way.
But what if humility doesn’t mean hiding?
What if real humility is letting ourselves be seen—and letting others honor the light they see in us?
Receiving praise without shrinking isn’t about ego.
It’s about integration.
About owning the sacredness of your work, your presence, your impact—and allowing it to land.
Because when we push away affirmation, we’re not just dismissing compliments.
We’re dimming the Divine moving through us.
Your Call to Action
This week, I invite you to practice receiving:
- Notice what happens when someone thanks or compliments you. Do you deflect? Shrug it off?
- Try simply pausing, breathing, and saying: “Thank you. I receive that.”
- Ask yourself gently: Where in my life am I still shrinking when I could be shining?
You might journal on this:
What part of me still believes I need to hide my light to stay safe?
And try this soft affirmation:
“I receive with grace what I give with love.”
That experience in Reno reminded me of something simple and powerful:
When you’re aligned with your purpose, the universe often sends you signs—through people, through moments, through love reflected back.
So when someone sees you, really sees you…
Don’t step away. Don’t dismiss it.
Let the love land.
Abundant Blessings and Namaste.
Abundant Good News and Notes
"What's Your Next Chapter?" Coaching: If you are ready to explore your next chapter and take your life to its next expression of joy and fulfillment, I encourage you to consider one-on-one coaching with me. You can learn more about my spiritual life coaching services by clicking here.
Thanks for reading ALIGNED!
If you have any questions or want to share what you thought about this newsletter, hit reply and let me know.
Abundant Blessings,
Joselito Laudencia
Spiritual Life Coach, Teacher, Speaker
Author, The Creative Impulse: Answering the Highest Calling of Your Heart
www.abundantgood.com
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