Permission

We often think of permission as something we get from someone else.

We say, “I need permission to do this,” as if someone outside of us holds the key to what we’re allowed to experience or become.

But what if we turned that idea around?

What if we gave ourselves permission to rest, to dream, to pause, to begin again? What if, instead of waiting for someone to say yes, we looked inward and said it to ourselves?

Years ago, I had a plan in place for a four to six-month stretch of time. Just before it was supposed to begin, life shifted. Everything changed. I had to pause. And when the time came to move forward again, I made a conscious choice. I gave myself permission to follow through with the original plan. That moment of intentional self-approval shifted everything.

It wasn’t just about the plan anymore. It was about honoring what I had decided, acknowledging what I needed and choosing to move forward with care and clarity.

Before that, I hadn’t thought about giving myself permission. I usually acted, decided, moved on, got things done. But this felt different. That quiet internal green light gave me a lift, a sense of alignment, a sense of ease.

Since then, permission has become something I consciously offer myself and others.

In workshops, I've invited attendees to give themselves permission too. To set down their phones. To be fully present. To listen inward. To care for themselves without guilt or distraction.

When we allow ourselves to show up for ourselves, without needing to explain or justify, we create space for healing, growth and joy.

So I’ll ask you, what are you giving yourself permission to do, to be, to feel this month?

I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a note and let’s be in permission together. aderonke@abwilsonconsulting.com