Often, the only thing standing between us and a truth we haven’t admitted to ourselves (yet) is simply the permission to do it.
For all practical purposes, this act of needing permission is imaginary.
But then, we’re not always practical.
So here are three slips of permission, because inarguably, some words seem to mean more when they come from outside of us:
1. You have permission to accept, and put into practice, ideas and habits that work for you but run counter to accepted norms.
Like refusing a drink at a cocktail party, choosing a question more interesting than the generic “What do you do?” when meeting someone new, or not checking your phone every thirty minutes.
2. You have permission to decide how much you like a person by holding them to more meaningful standards.
Like honesty, curiosity, empathy, kindness, warmth and spirit, rather than the easier, more obvious standards of money, status, good looks, their immaculate house or flawless taste in clothes.
3. You have permission to keep private any life-changing experiences until you’ve made your own peace with them.
Premature sharing can lead to judgement (even with “good intentions”), or an emotional investment in seeking approval which might not come, either of which can hurt, confuse or shake you without warning. Make your peace first, then decide if, when or how much to share.
And, one earnest reminder:
If you’re prone to severe self-doubt when it feels like things are falling apart:
First, ask yourself which of your answers are not working for you anymore.
Second, ask yourself if you’re trying to answer the right questions, because chances are it’s time to ask different questions.
Here’s to being yourself in little ways that add up to meaning much, much more.
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