Deserving

So often we don’t we have what we want. Why? The more I think about this question and review my own life attitudes, the more I come up with the same answer:

We don’t feel we deserve it.

So many of us feel we must earn worthiness. Repeating Hail Marys, trekking to Mecca, toiling in the Amazon, writing incessantly, doing massive loads of laundry, cooking massive amounts of meals, denying ourselves massive amounts of what pleases us.

Sometimes we think we can earn worthiness by stockpiling money, houses, fame, titles, awards, degrees, publications. When we’ve achieved these, we may look like we are worthy, but only we know inside that the excessive externals can signal our feeling unworthy. And we still feel empty and uncertain.

Sometimes we reach certain “successes,” in whatever terms are important to us, and then go no further. Psychologist and personal growth teacher Gay Hendricks calls this our “upper limits” (The Big Leap, 2009). It’s our internal “thermostat” of the boundaries of success, happiness, and creativity we allow ourselves. And we do something, or don’t do something, to stop feeling good. Why? Things feel too good. We feel unworthy.

But nothing could be farther from the truth of our nature. I have found great solace and encouragement in the wisdom and guidance of spiritual teachings. By accepting ourselves fully, we realize our divine nature and believe in our own worth. Our gifts, our birth and place in time and space, and our chosen means of sharing are unique. No one else can duplicate or replace them. And all we have to give is needed—right now and with everyone we meet (Unity Daily Word, May 13, 2014).

Abraham (Abraham-Hicks) assures us that life is not about rushing to justify our existence. “It’s justified. You exist. It’s not about proving your worthiness. It’s done. You’re worthy” (Workshop, San Antonio, TX, April 20, 2002).

Wayne Dyer counsels us, “Treasure your divinity” (10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace, 2001). We are a part of God, an integral part. We have already attracted all we want. We must simply acknowledge and open to it.

When I’m feeling doubtful, unworthy, or stuck at a self-imposed upper limit, I repeat such statements and affirmations:

• I deserve to do what I’ve always wanted.
• No one stands in my way.
• I don’t stand in my way.
• I was born to deserve what I’ve always wanted.
• I have enough time, money, energy, interest, cooperation from everyone around me to do what I’ve always wanted.
• Doing what I’ve always wanted to do is my natural state.
• Doing what I’ve always wanted to do harms no one.
• Doing what I’ve always wanted to do makes me feel good and keeps me healthy.
• Doing what I’ve always wanted to do blesses me and everyone I meet.
• Doing what I’ve always wanted to do fulfills me.
• I open fully to prosperity, wholeness, healing, fulfilling relationships, and rewarding activities.
• Doing what I’ve always wanted to do feels wonderful.
• I deserve a beautiful life!

We do deserve everything we’ve ever wanted, every way we want to live, every mode of expression and creativity we’ve always craved, imagined, and longed for. As we keep reaffirming our deservingness, we will accept it in ever-greater measure and make room for more. And we will be guided to the most rapturous ways and most giving avenues to express our deservingness.