The Power of Giving Yourself Permission
The Power of Giving Yourself Permission
As we go through our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly seeking external validation or waiting for others to grant us permission to pursue our dreams, make decisions, or even be ourselves. However, if we continue waiting for that permission, we may be waiting for our whole lives. We have expectations all around us - from our family, from ourselves, from our culture, from our partners, from our kid’s teachers, etc… If we are constantly trying to fulfill other’s expectations without giving ourselves permission and space to live out our values and dreams, then that is a recipe for burnout. On the flip side, when you embrace self-permission, it can be a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment. So what does giving yourself permission look like? And how can we do it?
Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs
Giving yourself permission starts with breaking free from limiting beliefs. Many of us carry around a backpack full of “I can’t,” “I’m not good enough,” or “What will they think?” These limitations may feel like they are being imposed on us by others, but ultimately we can let go of these beliefs. By giving yourself permission to pursue your passion or realize your potential, you challenge these unhelpful beliefs and open the door to new possibilities.
Pursuing Your Passions
Have you ever had a dream or a passion that you’ve put on hold because you didn’t think it was practical or achievable? When you give yourself permission to pursue your passions, you’re acknowledging that your desires are valid. Whether it’s a creative endeavor, a career change, or a personal goal, self-permission is the first step toward turning your dreams into a reality.
Embracing What Brings You Peace
Giving yourself permission also means giving yourself permission to be authentic. Authenticity is about being true to what brings you peace, even when challenging or unconventional. When you embrace your true self and stop seeking approval from others, you’ll experience a newfound sense of freedom and self-acceptance.
Reframing Failure
Fear of failure is a common obstacle that holds many people back. When you give yourself permission to fail, you reframe failure as a valuable learning experience rather than a source of shame. This mindset shift can empower you to take calculated risks and bounce back from setbacks, stronger than ever.
Prioritizing Self-Care
Self-permission also extends to self-care. It means allowing yourself to prioritize your physical and mental well-being without guilt (Yes, even if you’re a parent or have a spouse in the hospital or are in a tough season or any other situation you can think of). You cannot maintain your health and happiness without caring for yourself. Eventually, you will not be able to care for anything or anyone else well if you don’t prioritize your self-care.
Inspiring Others
By giving yourself permission to pursue your dreams and live authentically, you can become an inspiration to others. Your courage and authenticity can motivate those around you to do the same, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and positive change.
In a world where external pressures and expectations can weigh us down, giving yourself permission is a radical act of self-love and self-empowerment. It’s a declaration that your dreams, desires, and authenticity matter. As you embrace self-permission, you’ll notice yourself living from a place of compassion, calmness, clarity, and confidence.
For a fun “Permission Slip” activity that practices this skill, visit this link: https://www.rebelxlabs.com/blog/art-of-giving-yourself-permission
To conclude, any and all of these categories can be difficult at times. If you find yourself wanting extra support in any of these areas, reach out to our care specialist and set up an appointment today.
About The Author
Jorden Groenink, MS, AMFT, APCC an associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT136162) and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC12906), supervised by Jeremy Mast, MS, MDiv, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT (CA90961). She has been trained in Experiential Therapy and loves working with couples and individuals who want to experience a more fulfilling life. Jorden wholeheartedly believes that every person is worthy of love and relationship. When not working with clients or listening to audiobooks, Jorden enjoys spending time with her family (husband, dog, & cat) and doing DIY projects around her house.
