Permission….

The word permission came up today several times and it got me thinking of how freeing it is to acknowledge that we have authority to give ourselves permission to live. If we think about it, no one is responsible for our joy, but us. I say joy because it can be present in all circumstances because God is at the center of it, whereas happiness is circumstantial and almost always momentary.

As I thought of permission, I thought that there is no moment like the present moment to act on it. Giving myself permission to be myself leads to a level of authenticity that gives the world just who I was created to be. Imagine giving those around you just the person God created you to be?! I think this is so powerful and just what we all need.

As a woman, I fall into the trap of overextending myself to others and it has left me depleted and “burned out”. It’s noble and of good character, but let’s face it, we can’t show up for others if we don’t show up for ourselves first. Self-care is self-love and it’s vital to our wellbeing. The key is doing things that replenish our souls and feed our spirits.

So, when we feel depleted and burned out, let’s ask ourselves if we have lost sight of giving ourselves “permission” to rest, laugh, explore, and live. I’m starting to recognize that there is nothing more noble or of good character than loving the person God created us to be. Just like a loving father, God wants us to love, and more importantly, care for the person he created in us, that little girl or boy created in his image.