For years, I identified as a leader and a giver. I poured myself into others—my community, the real estate industry, my family. I believed that giving without limits was the hallmark of leadership. I gave my time, my energy, my resources, and often, I did it from a place of depletion. What I didn’t realize was that while I was seen as a strong leader, I was running on empty.
I used alcohol to fill the void I felt, masking the exhaustion that came from constantly pouring into everyone else without ever refilling my own cup. Three years ago, I realized that something needed to change. I was stuck in a cycle that was unsustainable. I knew that if I wanted to keep leading and truly live my purpose, I had to make a shift. I did, I began taking better care of myself and quit drinking.
The Lesson That Changed Everything
Years later during a simple coaching call with David Meltzer, everything clicked. He told me that quality leadership and giving—comes from a place of abundance, not depletion. When he said that, something inside me shifted. It was an instant expansion, a realization that for years, I had been giving from a place of lack, not abundance.
David's words made me reflect deeply: How can I be the best leader, coach, and mother if I am constantly running on empty? How can I guide others if I don’t allow myself to be guided, supported, and refilled? That conversation marked the beginning of a quantum leap for me—one that not only changed my leadership but transformed my entire life.
Self-care was just the beginning. I realized that to truly step into my power, I had to believe I was worthy of receiving. The years of shadow work were critical in breaking through the barriers, walls, and blocks I had built around me in survival mode. It wasn’t enough to just survive anymore—I had to move into a space of wholeness, where I could accept all parts of myself, the light and the shadow.
This is the perfect example of the saying, “What got you here won't get you where you want to go next.” I had hit a ceiling, and survival mode wasn’t enough to break through it. To reach the next level, I had to embrace all sides of myself and be fully open to receiving.
Embodying and Embracing Abundance
I recently had his shift in mindset tested on a deep level. In the past few weeks, I cut financial ties with my husband. For a long time, I had allowed financial fears to block me from fully stepping into my power. I was afraid to be financially independent as a single woman, yet again. This was causing me to make poor choices and much suffering.
This time, I approached this lack, scarcity and fear differently. I reminded myself of who I am—the woman who has always been the primary earner, the one who built a career and legacy from the ground up. I knew that I had always received abundance, but for years I had blocked it with fear. In cutting these financial ties, I let go of that fear, knowing that I would create even more abundance for myself, for my family, and for the greater good.
This time, I’m earning for myself, for my family and for the good of the collective. The abundance I receive will help awaken and uplift others, allowing them to become the best versions of themselves. And with this new mindset, I’m no longer afraid. I am fully open to receiving everything the universe has in store for me, and I know that in receiving, I can give even more.
The Transformation: Leading from a Place of Wholeness and Abundance
Since making this shift, I feel lighter—free, more vulnerable, and truly supported. There is a deep sense of happiness and love that fills me now, not just from others, but from myself. I have learned that allowing myself to receive isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When I receive, I can give from a place of wholeness, not depletion. My leadership has transformed because I am no longer trying to prove myself or give from a place of lack.
Instead, I am leading from a place of abundance, and the impact on my relationships, my business, and my life has been incredible. I am more present, energized, and capable of creating lasting change. I’ve become a better coach, mentor, and leader because I allow myself to be vulnerable, open, and whole.
How I Practice Receiving
It wasn’t an overnight shift, and it didn’t come without effort. But over time, I’ve developed a few key practices that have helped me maintain this balance of giving and receiving:
1. Visualizations and Affirmations: I regularly visualize the abundance I want to receive in my life, whether it’s financial, emotional, or spiritual. Through affirmations, I remind myself daily that I am worthy of receiving, and I welcome all forms of abundance into my life. Here is a link to a meditation and visualization practice that helped me.
2. Activations and Journaling: I activate my intentions and focus through journaling. Writing down and then reading aloud my goals, dreams, desires, strengths and resources helps me stay grounded and open to receiving the guidance I need.
3. Self-Care: I’ve learned that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. When I take time to care for myself, whether it’s through rest, nourishment, or doing something I love, I am refueling and allowing myself to receive the energy I need to give back to others.
4. Studying and Learning: I continue to invest in myself by learning, growing, and honing my skills as a coach. This keeps me connected to my purpose and allows me to serve others at the highest level.
The Takeaway: Leading Through Receiving
For so long, I believed that leadership was about constantly giving, about sacrifice, about putting others first at all costs. But what I’ve learned through this journey is that true leadership comes from balance. When you allow yourself to receive—whether it’s financial abundance, love, or even rest—you become a more effective leader.
Giving is only powerful when it comes from a place of abundance. And that abundance comes when we allow ourselves to be filled. For me, this shift has been life changing. I now know that to give my best, I must receive. And by doing so, I’m not only serving myself but everyone around me.
If you’re a business leader or entrepreneur who’s been pouring into others but feels depleted or stuck, it’s time to activate the power of receiving. By allowing yourself to be filled, you’ll elevate your leadership, deepen your impact, and create a legacy that reflects abundance.
Let’s connect. Schedule a call and let’s start your journey toward leading from a place of wholeness and abundance.
With love, light, and prosperity,
Jennifer Maher
Soulful Prosperity Coach
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