PERMISSION ~ the authorization to DO something, to permit an ACTION.

As I look toward the year ahead I am convinced that I don’t have a desire to create a list of New Year Resolutions; rather I am giving myself permission to think and act in a fresh way.

Giving myself “permission” allows me to shift my mindset from what I think I SHOULD do, to choosing what is right for me in this season of my life.  Doing the best thing, making good choices, and being mindful of faith and reputation are not discounted at all in this. Rather, I am giving myself the freedom to be more authentic, creative, balanced, and honest this year.

I am excited about this.

As a Life Coach I interact with many women and I often hear them say ” I just can’t seem to give myself permission to…………………..”.  So often we are fully engaged in being mothers, employees, partners, siblings, volunteers, church members, etc.  Stepping back to consider what we may truly want,  to re-ignight dreams that may have left dormant long ago, or to begin to create a different type of life schedule just feels foreign to us.  Perhaps, 2013 could be a different kind of year for you…IF you give yourself permission.

This year I give myself permission to:

1.  Set Boundaries.  Where am I needed the most?  What involvements line up with my values? For my limited amount of time, where are my gifts and talents best put to use? With this filter firmly set I give myself not to feel guilty when it is best that I say “NO” to good opportunities that would keep me from doing what is great!

2.  Have Sad Days. Seriously, sometimes I am just sad. Kids are grown, life is changing so fast, friends pass away, our economy is challenged, and there is constant uncertainty. I have a strong faith in God and His ability to care for me but life can still be challenging and confusing. Sometimes I get sad. This year I will not feel guilty for this but rather I will let myself acknowledge the sadness and take a day for some good Old Fashioned self care!

3.  Forgive.  Over the past few years I have truly begun to learn that allowing myself to forgive is a gift I give myself.  This year I give myself permission to forgive those who may have hurt me, misjudged me, or spoken ill of me. Truth be known, I have hurt others in my life ( intentionally or unintentionally), so I need the same mercy I give myself permission to give! I may move into those relationships with new cautions, but I choose to forgive.

4.  Explore New Ideas.   I have loved hearing of friends in their 40’s and 50’s who have chosen to go back to school ( nursing, teaching, etc). I love hearing about friends who have written books, run marathons, learned a new language, or have started an impacting non-profit! I give myself permission this year to do some exploring. What might be new and exciting for me? What might stretch and grow who I am? I simply give myself permission to explore!!

5. Make Some Noise.  This Christmas my mother gave me a fun, whimsical calendar!  Reading through it I was tickled by some of the writings there that captured a bit about my personality in this season.   “Now, be a good girl and don’t make waves!  That’s the most ridiculous statement I have ever heard! Not only do I plan on making waves, I am trying to figure out how to start a typhoon and really rock the world!!”   You just gotta chuckle.  However, this year I do give myself permission to be honest, to disagree when I do, and to give my honest thoughts even if they may not line up with someone else. ( Speaking the truth in love of course.)

Need to give yourself permission to make changes, re-assess your present choices and consider some new approaches?  Set aside a day in the week ahead to consider this question and bravely move forward.

Happy, wonderful New Year to you!!