The Art of Receiving
March is Women’s History Month, and while we celebrate the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of women throughout history, I want to talk about something that many of us still struggle with: receiving.
For as long as I can remember, I was taught that being strong meant being independent. That asking for help was a sign of weakness. That success meant juggling everything on my own. And if you’re anything like me—especially if you grew up in the ’80s or beyond—you’ve probably felt the same pressure.
We show up. We give. We pour into others without a second thought. But when it comes to receiving? That’s where things get uncomfortable.
Ever walked into a meeting, a friend’s house, or even a hair salon, and someone offers you a glass of water or a cup of coffee? And even though you’re thirsty as hell, your instinct is to say, “Oh no, I’m fine, thank you.”
Just as we love to care for others, people want to care for us. And when we say no to even the smallest gestures, we’re rejecting more than just a drink—we’re rejecting connection, support, and an opportunity to build stronger relationships.
Over the past few years, I’ve had to unlearn the idea that I need to do everything alone. I had to lean on my people, trust my community, and start saying yes—even when it felt uncomfortable. And though I didn’t always have the capacity to return the favor in the way I wanted to, I kept track of every act of kindness, every moment of generosity, and I found ways to pay it forward in time.
And you know what? It changed everything.
When I started saying yes, I realized that receiving isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an act of connection. It builds trust. It creates space for deeper relationships. It strengthens our communities.
If you’re someone who loves to give but struggles to receive, here’s my challenge to you:
1️⃣ Say yes to small offers of kindness. Accept the water, the coffee, the seat that’s offered to you. Let it be a reminder that you deserve care, too.
2️⃣ Recognize that people want to show up for you. Just like you love supporting your friends, family, and colleagues, they want to support you, too. Let them.
3️⃣ Stop keeping score. Receiving doesn’t have to come with an immediate “payback.” Trust that generosity flows in cycles, and your time to give will come when it feels right.
4️⃣ See receiving as an act of strength. It takes courage to allow others to hold space for you, to admit you need support, and to accept love without conditions.
This Women’s History Month, let’s challenge the idea that strength means doing it all alone. Let’s start saying yes—not just for ourselves, but for the relationships and communities that thrive when we do.
So the next time someone offers you a glass of water? Take it. 💛
Unapologetically yours,
xx Ashley
Connect with me:
Instagram @ashleydlogan