So many of our hurdles can actually be overcome when we realize that it is our own self holding us back. Most often it is fear that holds us back–fear of being humiliated, fear of failure or fear of the unknown; sometimes it is that we judge ourselves unworthy of the investment of time or money; other times we build up a problem to be so enormous in our mind that we are paralyzed to take even one small step towards solving it.
Today, release your inner restrictions. Give yourself permission to…
…try something new and maybe even like it.
…try something new and not like it; that’s okay, too.
…walk away from something or someone that no longer fits who you are.
…admit your true feelings.
…open up to those who are close to you, as well as acquaintances.
…make that call you’ve been avoiding.
…ask for help, from friends or family, or even a professional.
…spend a little money on yourself.
…take the time you need to nurture yourself.
…be playful.
…laugh out loud.
…change your mind.
…write your problem down on paper and break it down into action steps.
…research one small step of something that feels overwhelming.
…let go of pain.
…let go of your story, your past, your labels, and just be you.
…break free from a negative family legacy.
…stop living according to the expectations someone else has set for you.
…break a bad habit.
…think or behave differently than those around you.
…set an intention that is greater than you normally hope for yourself.
…slow down.
…expect more from yourself and for your life.
…grow and change.
…have fun.
…explore spirituality and/or religion.
…embrace the flow of your life instead of fighting against it.
It is difficult when our harshest adversary is our self; but looking at it another way, it’s optimal because it’s just you, not anyone else, holding you back. That means you have all the power! When you give yourself permission to do the things that must be done, you become the captain of your own ship! The freedom that comes from taking control of your own life is exhilarating! One small step is all it takes. Give yourself a chance to gain confidence, and momentum, towards a brighter, lighter, and happier you.
What an inspiring post! There are so many great suggestions in your list. What you wrote reminded me of something I witnessed a few days ago: I was visiting a friend in the hospital, and brought another friend (a healer) with me to do Reiki. She had only met my friend in the hospital once before, but when we walked into his room, she went right over to his bed and gave him a huge hug, smile, called him “sweetie,” the works. She dove in with love, while I stood cautiously in the background. I was afraid not only hurt him with a hug (he’d just come out of surgery), but mess up his wires & tubes, not to mention be THAT open… in front of others! So I just gave him a “pat-pat” on the foot.
However, as I watched my healer friend do her thing, I just marveled at her openness, love, and ability to flow with Divinity at every turn.
Maybe I’ll put some of your suggestions to work around this topic, because I certainly feel love inside of me (Step 1), but need help expressing it as freely (Step 2).
Happy Friday!
Hi Jodi,
This last paragraph is really pulling me in today. If it’s me holding me back, then that’s not so bad! I have a call scheduled with a coach I’ve been working with – and I’m sure we’ll touch upon this in some form as well. What is it that keeps me from doing what I really want to? What am I afraid of? (questions for me to think about and answer…and you’ve helped trigger them today).
Jodi, I love the list too – wonderful!
(admit your true feelings…hmmm….for some reason, I think this is one I really struggle with sometimes…)
Jodi,
What a great list! I particularly like the statement about letting go of our stories, our labels, etc. I sometimes call this our “litany of sorrows.” Hanging on to our pains or the stories of our childhoods, failed marriages, job failings, just keeps it all so present. We get so stuck when we identify with what has happened to us. This pattern truly keeps us from living as our truest selves….Thanks for this wisdom…Blessings!
Wow! What a list! All things good too – how motivating, Jodi! I’m going away for the weekend but not before copying that list into my journal. I have a lot to do with such a long list – all these things are just wonderful. I feel like instead of a “bucket list” you’ve given me a gentle “kickinthebutt list”. THANK you!
p.s. to Lance – Great questions to journal about eh? (hint hint!) That’s what journals are for – you’d be amazed what comes out!
Hi Megan!
Your story is a lesson for all of us, thank you for sharing that! I am always impressed by people who dive in with love, too. It is a special thing to witness. I hope your friend heals quickly. I need to work on expressing love as freely, too. Let’s work on it together! Have a great weekend!
Hi Lance,
Thank you for your warm comments. I hope you get some interesting answers to the questions you are asking yourself. Good work! I agree with Suzen, journaling about these questions and your feelings about them is a great place to start!
Hi Jan,
Oooh, “litany of sorrows” is a great phrase for the labels and stories we hold on to! Thank you for sharing that!
Hi Suzen,
Thank you for comments! Enjoy your weekend away!
Thanks for this post. It’s struck me as well that we tend to assume that we need a certain situation to exist in the world to be happy, but that we often aren’t giving ourselves permission to experience joy because it feels dangerous, undeserved, or something along those lines.
Hi Jodi,
What a fabulous post! As a huge self-care advocate, this is the message I preach to all my sister stepmoms (stepmoms are even more apt to neglect themselves in a chaotic remarried dynamic). I will be sending them to this post for a dose of inspiration!
Peggy
[...] over at Joy Discovered has a great article, “Giving Yourself Permission.” So many of our hurdles can actually be overcome when we realize that it is our own self holding us [...]
I couldn’t agree more. I remember when I finally realized that the line from “Back to the Future” was true: If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything
This past year, I’ve taught myself three different skills that beforehand seemed overwhelming. Now, I welcome the challenge of learning new things. It invigorates me and inspires me. Paralyzing fear is the worst. The old quote really is true: There’s nothing to fear but fear itself. Very excellent blog post!
Hi Chris,
You make a very important point, that we need “a certain situation to exist in the world to be happy.” I know a lot of people who get stuck in this thinking trap! This is our dear, sweet ego, telling us that our happiness only lies in the future! Thank you for stopping by today!
Hi Peggy,
Thank you for mentioning my post over at The Step Mom’s Toolbox! I appreciate the link and your support. Your step mom community is fortunate to have you!
Hi Ben,
Thank you for commenting. I love it that you taught yourself three new skills–and that you realize you did that and are not only giving yourself a pat on the back but realizing the lesson in your experience. Way to be present! Way to conquer your fears!
Jodi, I love this post! I am still learning to give myself permission to live my life to the fullest!
It was very helpful! 
Thanks for sharing this part: release your inner restrictions.
blessings to you,
~Jen
p.s. I just watched 3 videos of Byron Katie’s Work. wow, very enlightening. reminds me a little of Eckhart Tolle with more emotional energy /interaction rather than silence.. but that sense of teaching and listening is very prevalent! I love it!