I talk a lot about giving ourselves grace and space. It’s a topic I’ve written about before. But I think it bears repeating for a few reasons.
Why is it so important?
Because in this world of highlight reels and high expectations there is a lot of “should-ing” going on. I “should” do this. I “should” have that. I “should” ______ (fill in the blank whatever you’re feeling guilt about). And it all adds up to a lot of pressure to do more, have more, and be more.
Permission slips is a beautiful antidote to all this pressure. When you give yourself permission, you give yourself permission to show up, exactly as you are and give yourself room to breathe! And here’s what’s cool. When you give yourself space to breathe, sometimes the thing you were “shoulding” yourself about? It doesn’t matter quite so much. The intensity you feel around it dissipates. Or in an ironic twist of fate, becomes much easier to make happen.
Manifest more Grace + Space with Permission Slips:
One of the strategies I use with clients to help them create more grace and space is permission slips. The concept of a Permission Slip is something I borrowed from Brene Brown. The concept is to take something you’re struggling with and give yourself permission around it. It can be about setting an intention around how you want to feel or act (but without the intensity or pressure) or about getting clear about your objectives. For me, and many of my clients, this practice has been very empowering.
Here are some of my favourite general permission slips:
- I give myself permission to say no to others (and yes to myself)
- I give myself permission to be imperfect.
- I give myself permission to be kind to myself.
- I give myself permission to adjust course minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day.
- I give myself permission to press the reset button any time I choose!
Sometimes a permission slip is more specific. Sometimes setting up really clear objectives can be incredibly helpful in difficult situations! This might be a point of struggle you have OR a specific situation you’re going into. Say, like working from home during a pandemic, or helping your kids learn at home, or finding “new normal” health habits when all your routines got obliterated. Or maybe when all those things are happening at once!
- I give myself permission to get the job done – progress is perfection.
- I give myself permission to be an adequate mom and teacher.
- I give myself permission to let go of the “plan” and simply move daily in ways that inspire me.
- I give myself permission to have a nap or go to bed early if I’m tired.
- I give myself permission to take 5 minutes each day to take care of my needs.
Try on creating more space and grace in your life right now. Notice how it shifts your lens and experience. And if you need a little help, reach out. I’m currently taking on one-to-one coaching clients. Sometimes one call can do wonders to feel heard, to realize you’re not alone, and develop a few strategies to help serve and support you through the challenges.