The Practice of Permission: Embracing Your Authentic Self
In a world that often demands perfection and hustle, we find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of expectations. But what if we could grant ourselves permission to simply be? What if instead we embraced our real selves, with all our flaws and imperfections? This is the heart and soul of what it means to practice giving yourself permission – and it becomes a radically brave act of self-acceptance and growth.
Permission is not just a one-time decision; it’s an ongoing practice. It’s a daily choice to honor our needs, values, respect our boundaries, and nurture our well-being. As Brené Brown, researcher and author, puts it:
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.”
Let’s explore a few areas where we are able to cultivate this practice:
Permission to Rest Well
In our hustle culture, rest is often viewed as laziness. But rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s the foundation of our physical and mental health. Giving ourselves permission to rest means acknowledging that we are human beings, not human doings. It’s about recognizing that our worth is not tied to our productivity.
Permission to Love Ourselves Completely
We are all messy, imperfect humans in progress. Embracing this truth is liberating. It allows us to love ourselves not despite our flaws, but because of them. They are what make us unique and human. As Maya Angelou wisely said:
“I don’t trust people who don’t love themselves and tell me, ‘I love you.’ … There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt.”
Permission to Tell Yourself the Truth
Honesty, especially with ourselves, is uncomfortable. But it’s also the foundation of intentional, on purpose living. Giving ourselves permission to tell the truth means facing our fears, admitting our mistakes, and being real about our feelings. It’s about living in alignment with our values, even when it feels messy.\
Permission to Have Needs
Many of us have been conditioned to put others’ needs before our own. But honoring our own needs is not selfish – it’s essential for our well-being and our ability to show up fully in our relationships. Recognizing and voicing our wants is an act of self-respect.
Permission to Say No
Saying no can be difficult, especially for those of us who are people-pleasers. Setting healthy boundaries is essential for maintain our energy and focus. Remember, every time you say no to something that doesn’t align with your values or priorities, you’re saying yes to what truly matters to you.
Permission to Feel Joy
In a world filled with suffering, it can feel wrong to experience joy. But joy is not frivolous – it’s a vital part of the human experience. As the scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 (NIV):
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Allowing ourselves to experience joy doesn’t take away from our ability to have empathy for someone else’s pain. In fact, it can fill up our emotional bucket, enabling us to be more present for others.
The practice of permission is a journey, not a destination. It’s about cultivating self-compassion and intentional in our daily lives. It’s about recognizing that we are worthy of love, rest, and joy simply because we exist.
What are you practicing?
What areas of your life could benefit from a little more self-permission? Remember, this practice starts with small steps. Maybe it’s taking a guilt-free nap, speaking truth in a difficult conversation, or dancing in your living room just because it brings you joy!
Embrace the practice of permission. You may find that in giving yourself permission to be fully human, you my example give others around you the same beautiful, and priceless gift of permission too!
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
Philippians 4:13 The Message
Here’s to the practice of permission. Replacing unhealthy rhythms with new ones takes time. Start small beautiful… we- you, me and Jesus- we’ve got this!
If you would like to connect and learn more about what it means to live on purpose, let’s connect here!
Blessings –
