Permission Granted ...

​I know it’s been ages since we last connected and cosied up together for a chat, and my initial instinct was to apologise for not being in touch before now. But then I gave myself permission not to do this.

If I apologised to you it would give the impression that I had done something wrong - when in fact I’ve been doing the complete opposite!! I’ve been choosing me and taking some well-deserved time out after what’s been one of the busiest years of my life, where I created new workshops, a brand-new wellbeing programme and website.

The truth is I wanted to check in with you again because I care deeply about you and wanted to remind you that - just like me - you too can give yourself permission to do absolutely anything you want!! Really you can. You don’t need approval or validation from anyone else.

The only person we need approval from is ourselves.
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​For most of us we’ve had to ask for permission to do things our entire lives:

• Can I go to the toilet?
• Can I go out to play?
• Can I have permission to be excused from PE today?
• Can I have a biscuit?
• Can I have time off work?

As adults we have become wired to ask for permission and we still find ourselves asking friends, work colleagues and partners for permission to do things. Should I challenge my boss? Should I wear this? Should I eat this? Can I go out tonight?

​​It is no surprise then that we have difficulty in deciding whether or not to have another biscuit, read a book instead of doing housework or stay in and chill instead of going out. We are constantly seeking validation for the choices we make.

We find ourselves wondering if it’s okay to do all these things because, for most of our lives when making choices, we have had to ask for permission.  That voice of authority is still lurking inside us and we feel we still have to obey it because if we don’t, we will be immersed in guilt if we rebel against it.

What happened to you when you didn’t do what you were told?? For me I felt guilt and shame, that I had let people down and that I wasn't good enough.

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However, we are adults now and I have popped in to your consciousness today to remind you of your gift of choice. If the prospect of stepping in to this empowering role is a bit too much for you after all those years of conditioning, let me make it a little bit easier for you.

Take some time out to write yourself a permission slip (or lots of them) on a post it pad, a bit like the ones you used to get your parents to complete for you when you were a child. Here’s some examples:

• I give myself permission to let go of everything and everyone that is holding me back.
• I give myself permission to have a lazy day in my PJ’s and not shower.
• I give myself permission to drop any criticism or judgement I have of myself.
• I give myself permission to have a nap.
• I give myself permission not to drink/to drink alcohol at the party tonight.
• I give myself permission to make mistakes.
• I give myself permission to have another biscuit.
• I give myself permission to go on more adventures.
• I give myself permission to be any body shape I like.
• I give myself permission to choose me today.

Now that wasn’t too difficult was it? How wonderful are you?

Till next time, I invite you to give yourself permission just to be yourself, to be a success or a failure, to feel happy or crappy.

Be the person you want to be.

Sending love and light

Maureen xx

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