A Year of Giving Ourselves Permission
As we step into a new year, the familiar pressure of resolutions and self-improvement plans looms large. We're conditioned to think in terms of doing more, achieving more, and striving harder. But what if, instead of setting lofty goals, we embraced a quieter yet profoundly transformative practice? What if we gave ourselves permission?
Permission to release expectations. Permission to take risks. Permission to say no. Permission to just be. This seemingly simple shift can reshape not only how we approach the year ahead but how we engage with our daily lives. In many ways, granting ourselves permission is the ultimate act of setting healthy boundaries with ourselves and others.
Permission is a concept we rarely extend to ourselves. For many, the word might evoke memories of seeking approval from teachers, parents, or authority figures. Over time, we internalize these dynamics, forgetting that we hold the authority to permit ourselves to feel, act, and choose.
In a culture that glorifies productivity and perfection, granting permission to ourselves can feel radical. But it isn’t about shirking responsibility; it’s about honoring our humanity. Permission creates space for us to exist as we are, not as we think we should be.
Ways to Embrace Permission
Here are some meaningful ways to weave permission into your life this year:
Permission to Feel
Many of us suppress difficult emotions because they feel inconvenient or uncomfortable. Yet emotions (even messy ones) are valuable signals. Granting ourselves permission to feel anger, sadness, or fear can be liberating. It reminds us that no feeling is final and that we’re human.
Permission to Say No
“No” is a complete sentence, yet many of us struggle to say it. Declining an invitation, turning down a project, or setting boundaries with loved ones can protect our energy and mental health. This year, practice prioritizing your well-being over others’ expectations.
Permission to Take Risks
Growth often requires stepping beyond our comfort zones. Whether it’s pursuing a dream, speaking up, or trying something new, giving ourselves permission to take risks can open doors to unexpected opportunities and personal breakthroughs.
Permission to Rest
Rest is not a reward; it’s a necessity. Yet many of us feel guilty when we’re not “productive.” Giving ourselves permission to rest, whether that means taking a nap, reading a book, or simply doing nothing, is a vital act of self-care.
Permission to Be Imperfect
Perfectionism can paralyze us. Allowing ourselves to be imperfect means taking action, making mistakes, and learning without fear of judgment. It’s a reminder that progress matters more than perfection.
Permission to Feel Uncomfortable
Discomfort is often a precursor to growth. Whether it’s the vulnerability of a difficult conversation or the challenge of trying something new, leaning into discomfort builds resilience. Inviting small doses of discomfort into daily life prepares us to face larger disruptions with confidence and calm.
Permission to Not Succeed
The fear of failure can prevent us from starting. Giving ourselves permission to not succeed—to try something for the sake of experience—reminds us that growth and effort matter more than the outcome.
Permission to Trust
Trusting ourselves is one of the most transformative permissions we can give. It means valuing our instincts, making decisions without constant validation, and believing in our ability to navigate life’s uncertainties. Trust also extends to others, allowing vulnerability to deepen connections, even if it feels risky. It is possible with practice to trust the process, let go of control, and embrace life’s twists and turns as opportunities for growth. Giving ourselves permission to trust builds resilience, fosters confidence, and opens the door to a more authentic and connected life.
A Simple Exercise
If this resonates with you, take a moment to reflect:
What am I holding back because I feel I shouldn’t or can’t?
What would I gain by granting myself permission in this area?
What small step can I take to practice this permission today?
Where am I withholding trust—from myself or others?
Write your answers down, say them aloud, or share them with someone. Sometimes, articulating our needs makes them feel more tangible and achievable.
A year of giving ourselves permission isn’t about lowering standards or avoiding responsibilities. It’s about cultivating balance, honoring our needs, and living authentically. As you navigate the months ahead, remember: you don’t need anyone else’s approval to feel, rest, risk, or simply be.
What will you give yourself permission to do—or not do—this year?