Remember when you had to raise your hand to use the bathroom in grade school? Or ask if you were allowed to have dessert?
It’s funny how we carry that habit into adulthood.
Still waiting.
Still asking.
Still hoping someone will give us the green light to do what we already know we want.
For so many of the women I work with, this shows up in subtle but powerful ways:
- Holding back on taking a vacation because “everything will fall apart without me.”
- Downplaying a raise or accomplishment because it feels like bragging.
- Feeling guilty for wanting more — more rest, more freedom, more joy, more… anything.
We’ve been trained to seek permission.
But if you’ve been waiting for someone to say it’s okay to put yourself first, let this post be that permission slip.
💛 You are allowed.
💛 You are capable.
💛 You already have the authority.
This week, try writing your own permission slip—just one sentence.
“I give myself permission to _____________.” (You fill in the blank.)
Stick it on your mirror.
Say it out loud.
Repeat it until it starts to feel true.
And if you need a little more inspiration, check out the latest episode of The Overthinker’s Guide to Joy. It’s all about permission — how we seek it, why we don’t need it, and how to stop waiting.
🎧 Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
With love and permission,
Jackie
P.S. If you’ve been denying yourself the yes — to take the trip, leave the job, change the story — let’s talk. You can book a free discovery call with me here.
