The most radical Valentine’s gift is now available

Valentine’s Day can often make us feel like we need to give more, love more, do more, show up more.

What if we flipped the script?

What if the most radical form of LOVE isn’t another act of service, but the willingness to receive love first?

I know what you’re thinking. “Receive? You mean just let someone else do for me? Sit back, take up space, maybe even need something?”

YES, that is totally what I am suggesting…

Last week, I shared something raw, honest, and deeply personal about receiving as radical leadership. The response took my breath away. The messages, the reflections, the quiet “this is exactly what I needed” notes reminded me why community, connection, and truth-telling matter so deeply.

As we head into a long weekend where romantic love takes center stage, I wonder if we can begin to see receiving as an act of love, especially for the woman who "does it all."

You know the woman I’m talking about. The “I can handle it” woman. She believes that asking for help is a sign of weakness and that receiving somehow burdens others. Independence becomes her badge of honor, and “doing it all” becomes proof that she’s capable, strong, and worthy. I know her well. I was her. For a long time, self‑reliance was my armor. While polished and protective, it was slowly suffocating. It kept me safe from needing anyone.

But things have changed since then. Drastically so.

Today, I actually love to receive, and I have gotten quite good at it. When someone makes an offer, I say yes. In fact, it has become a running joke that if you offer me anything, you go on “the list.” And soon, you’ll get a call to take you up on the offer! (I literally have that list in my Notes app to prove it!)

Here’s how we flip the script in this season of love: Receiving honors the giver and builds trust. Receiving keeps relationships alive instead of transactional. It isn’t passive. It’s intentional leadership. Receiving is radical leadership.

So here’s my question for you:

What is one thing you could allow yourself to receive right now? Help, rest, encouragement, clarity, or simply permission to pause?

Would love to hear how you will join me and celebrate Valentine’s Day by finally opening the gift of receiving.