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What Happens Now? The Art of Receiving in 2026

What Happens Now? The Art of Receiving in 2026

Congratulations, you made it! 2026 is your year to shine, give, and—here’s the important part—receive.

Many people experience discomfort with receiving. Research shows that when it comes to accepting kindness, compliments, or positive energy, we tend to deflect rather than embrace.

Think about it: Someone says, “I love that dress!” What’s your instinctive response? Probably something like, “Oh, this old thing? I’ve had it for years.” Instead of simply saying thank you and allowing yourself to receive the positive energy.

I struggled with this for years—until I started playing a little game that became a complete game changer.

The “I Receive That” Practice

Whenever someone pays me a compliment, I now take a moment to truly hear the words. I pause, allow myself to receive what the other person is offering, and then I say: “I receive that” or “I receive your kind words.”

Here’s what this simple practice does:

  • It gives you the opportunity to practice mindfulness
  • It allows you to examine and internalize the words you just received
  • It helps you conclude for yourself that this is a good thing
  • It builds confidence and trust
  • It shows genuine gratitude, which people deeply appreciate

The Power of Perspective

Most people have been taught to be humble to the detriment of themselves. But here’s the truth: when you perceive something to be good, your mind and body will more than likely receive it.

Think about it this way: When you’re working out and see a bottle of water, you see it as a good thing. That’s one reason you’re more likely to drink water in that moment than if you were sitting at your desk. It’s all about perspective.

Your Challenge for 2026

The next time someone says something kind to you, take a few minutes to internalize their words. Remember: You have the power to receive or deny something.

Make 2026 the year you say “YES” to yourself.

Hugs,

Elizabeth

For more posts like this, visit www.Elizabethmagicalgarden.com

 

Peace, Love and Blessings Lovelies Xoxo.

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Love It or Live It – You’re Here to Stay

Love It or Live It – You’re Here to Stay

After the holidays, most people are focused on their new year resolutions: going to the gym, eating healthier, or starting a business. All good things! Unfortunately, self-care usually sits at the bottom of their list.

Studies show that the inability to practice self-care stems from a lack of emotional awareness. I myself thought that I was doing a great job of practicing self-care—every two weeks I was getting my nails done, keeping up with hair appointments. It wasn’t until I had my own episode of burnout that I realized I wasn’t paying attention to my mental wellbeing, not to mention my nervous system was out of control. My ability to make decisions was always at a high level of stress.

Needless to say, I couldn’t go on like this.

The Wake-Up Call

After deep reflection, time off, and therapy, I realized I wasn’t spending time with me. The one person who needed me the most was myself. On the outside, everything was great—but what about the inside? The places where only you are aware of?

Self-care is more than a mani-pedi appointment.

Real Self-Care: Going Deeper

Setting time to reflect on some of the things that are truly important in your life is not only eye-opening but also soul-healing. It’s about:

  • Checking in with your emotional state regularly
  • Creating space for quiet reflection and stillness
  • Acknowledging when your nervous system needs regulation
  • Making decisions from a place of peace, not stress
  • Honoring the internal work, not just the external maintenance

Continue reading “Love It or Live It – You’re Here to Stay”

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Yes Equals Yes! The Art of Creating Agreement

Yes Equals Yes! The Art of Creating Agreement

Nowadays, getting a yes out of anyone is met with some type of skepticism—and rightfully so. With all the scam artists that have plagued humanity this century, it’s no wonder people are bound to say “No” before saying “Yes.”

I learned pretty early in life that a “maybe” is way better than a hard “No.” Growing up in an environment where my mom was a hardworking single parent, “No” rolled off her tongue faster than a smile. Whenever I wanted to boost my chances of getting a yes, I was sure to create what I would call a yes environment.

Creating the Yes Environment

Making sure the dishes were done, clothing put away, even setting time aside to have a hot beverage for her to drink—these weren’t just chores. They were investments in creating the right atmosphere.

Continue reading “Yes Equals Yes! The Art of Creating Agreement”

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Are You a Good Listener?

Are You a Good Listener?

Many people assume they’re listening when in reality, they’re only listening to themselves. Have you ever held a conversation with someone and felt like they were waiting for their turn to speak, while the whole time their eyes glaze over you? Don’t feel bad if that person was you; I myself had to come to grips with that fact, especially when I believed that being quiet when others were speaking made me a good listener—when that was only a half-truth. Listening attentively is the key to great communication.

When I was in high school, I was blessed to have some of the best teachers, but one stuck out the most. Every day she would be in her office after class with her door open. Plants 🪴 would cascade across her windowsill. There was always one student in the room having lunch. At first, I found it to be odd, only to find myself doing the same later on in the year. Soon the room was filled with students coming in and out at all times.

One of the things I noticed was she didn’t talk much—she listened to us talk. She was present while we poured our little hearts out to her, whether it be about heartbreak or being poorly graded on an assignment. She would listen. Once we were done talking, she would warmly say, “It’s time to go to the next class.”

What we received from her was more than a lunch period—we felt seen, we all felt heard.

The next time someone enters your space, try to practice active listening. Who knows what can come of it, but there’s one thing for certain: that person will leave your presence feeling seen and heard.

Hugs 💕

For more posts like this, visit www.ElizabethMagicalGarden.com

 

THE END!

Peace, Love and Blessings Lovelies Xoxo.

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Protect Your Knees: Bad Knees Ruin the Fun

Protect Your Knees: Bad Knees Ruin the Fun

Over the last few years, I’ve made it a point to be more active in my life. Turning 50 had a lot to do with that. I found myself on a journey of self-discovery when I turned 50, not knowing where to go or who to turn to. Age sent me spiraling in a way I hadn’t ever witnessed before—not because of the getting older aspect, but more of what to expect.

People are aging every day, but no one really knows

what the aging process will look like for them. Let’s

face it: aging is a process not too many people are

willing to talk about. We all would want to believe

that somehow it would skip us and no one would be

the wiser, as if we were able to walk around like

ageless vampires (if only, lol). The truth of the matter is it’s happening whether we like it or not.

Women Are Living Longer and Healthier

Continue reading “Protect Your Knees: Bad Knees Ruin the Fun”

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Moving Forward by Moving Backwards: add post #4 Finding the Lesson in Life’s Interruptions

Moving Forward by Moving Backwards: Finding the Lesson in Life’s Interruptions

Have you ever been lost in the perfect reading moment? You’re cozied up with your favorite book, soft jazz playing in the background, the lighting just right, maybe even a delicious piece of chocolate nearby. Then suddenly—the doorbell rings, your dog barks, or a loud noise startles you. You jump, and when you look down, the pages are shuffled. Not only are you pulled out of your peaceful zone, but you can’t remember what page you were on.

This has happened to me countless times. The decision to go back through the chapters is not only frustrating but also disappointing—especially when you were just about to discover something new in the story. Continue reading “Moving Forward by Moving Backwards: add post #4 Finding the Lesson in Life’s Interruptions”

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Wrong or Right, You Win 🥇

Wrong or Right, You Win 🥇

Many people debate their thoughts every day, whether it be with themselves or with someone else. In most cases, one person or fact is right while the opposing argument is wrong, leaving the loser feeling indifferent. But what if there was no opposition and both parties were right?

One of the common arguments in a debate is to provide facts and prove one wrong. The issue here is that everyone has and is coming from a different point of view. Neuroscientists have proven that the brain is developed in such a way that everything a person experiences by the age of 5 will be carried out through their adult life. Hence, whatever life experiences—whether good or bad—we all have been affected by life interactions, shaping our ability or inability to understand other people’s opinions.

This is something I myself have come to realize as I started to understand and practice mindfulness. Once I started to pay attention to my own way of thinking, I was then able to connect the dots. The truth of the matter, when closely examined, is that most of the time it’s all one big misunderstanding.

This is why I believe, as it’s said in Matthew 7:3-5,when Jesus said to first take the plank out of your own eye before pointing at someone else’s. We all have areas we may not be able to see in ourselves. Rather than drive our beliefs home, it may be wise to take in what one is saying to ensure an opportunity to learn or change something in ourselves. This is one of the fastest ways to ensure success in anyone’s life.

Hugs,

Elizabeth

 

THE END!

Peace, Love and Blessings Lovelies Xoxo.

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Finding Light in the Darkness: A Story of Resourcefulness and Grace 🍀

­Finding Light in the Darkness: A Story of Resourcefulness and Grace 🍀

There’s a beautiful truth about the human spirit—when faced with scarcity, we become masters of creativity.

I once heard a story about a 13-year-old boy who would wake before dawn to gather pieces of charcoal that fell from passing wagons. His family couldn’t afford to heat their home, so this young soul took it upon himself to provide warmth for those he loved. What courage. What determination.

This is how our minds work under pressure—we adapt, we innovate, we survive.

We’re all artists, really, painting our way through life with whatever brushes we’re given.

Continue reading “Finding Light in the Darkness: A Story of Resourcefulness and Grace 🍀”

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Today’s Project: Making 2026 Your Most Prosperous Year Yet

 Making 2026 Your Most Prosperous Year Yet

Now that the holiday season is almost over, here are some of the things we can do to ensure that 2026 is a prosperous year! It’s easy to fall into complacency as the holidays can leave us stuffed with fine treats and good wine, leaving you feeling tired and a bit overwhelmed—especially if you haven’t planned a game plan of action.

I myself like to start preparing for the new year once October arrives (does Halloween ring a bell?). I discuss this further on the podcast at Elizabeth Magical Garden, where I break down the significance of planning ahead.

But what if you haven’t planned yet and don’t know where to start? Well, I have just the thing to help you on your way towards an amazing experience this year Continue reading “Today’s Project: Making 2026 Your Most Prosperous Year Yet”