Give yourself a permission slip
We come into this world not having a care about receiving permission to do whatever we want. Fast forward a few years and asking permission became part of our lives, whether we could have a snack, or watch tv, or go play with a friend. Then in school, we needed a permission to go to the bathroom, or a signed permission slip to go on a special outing. A pass was required to visit the school nurse when we were feeling ill.
As adults at work, now we have all levels of authority we have to ask and answer to. These experiences mold our thinking about needing permission from others for many things. Think about the last time you asked a friend, “Should I…?” Subconsciously, we seek others’ permission because it was ingrained in us during our formative early years and it continues throughout our lives.
Unfortunately, permission seeking can take a toll on us.
Constantly asking others if we’re allowed to do something can put their needs in front of ours.
This can become depleting and unhealthy. It can make us feel powerless and lesser than. It can also lead to resenting those we have put in the authority position.
Think about these statements:
“I really want to eat more plant-based, but my husband doesn’t like that type of food.”
“I would love to get a gym membership. But my partner said it’s not in our budget.”
“I want to go on a retreat. But who will take care of everyone at home?”
If any of this sounds familiar, it's time to give yourself a permission slip
Giving yourself a permission slip can be very empowering. We learn to trust our own judgment. We feel like we’re in control of our destiny. We feel less resentful towards others.
We approach life from a place of positivity and abundance rather than fear and lack.
Read on for ways to give yourself permission.
Feeling overcommitted? That’s very common, especially this time of year. Give yourself a permission slip to say NO. Whatever the opportunity, it will come up later if it’s meant to be.
Do things that you WANT to do, not just what you feel like you HAVE to do. Give yourself permission to experience joy. Do what feels right and builds you up, not what depletes you.
Replenish your energy. Give yourself permission to rest. Take a nap. Go for acupuncture to build your qi. Attend a restorative yoga class.
Trust your intuition. How many times have you had a feeling about something that you squashed down because you didn’t want to make someone else feel uncomfortable? Give yourself permission to tap into your intuition. What's your gut telling you? Follow it.
And here’s the biggie. Give yourself a permission slip to put YOU first! That’s where it all begins.
Winter break is approaching and it is a great time to practice giving yourself a permission slip to prioritize your self-care. You may have some slip ups along the way. But that's okay! Dust off that sand and be on your way.
