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Motivation Monday: PERMISSION

09/01/2017
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“Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter except by your permission.” Arnold Bennett

Motivation Monday: PERMISSION - Give yourself a chance

Motivation Monday: PERMISSION – Give yourself a chance

Nobody can hurt me without my permission. Mahatma Gandhi
Build your self-esteem by recalling all the ways you have succeeded, and your brain will be filled with images of you making your achievements happen again and again. Give yourself permission to toot your own horn, and don’t wait for anyone to praise you. Jack Canfield

Do you need permission from others to live your life? Of course not! It’s a simple question, but if we dig deep, other questions arise because so many of us live our lives in the shadow of our true selves. What stops us from pursuing a career path we love or starting a new way of living? If we were sincere about the limitations we see as impositions on our lives, we’d soon understand they’re self-imposed. What? Yes, they are… Sure, there are endless reasons we give for why we haven’t done A or why we settled for B, but once the dust clears away, if we permit ourselves to face facts, we’ll see how we collude to keep ourselves down. With time, it will become apparent that our obstacles were strengthened by our resolve to stay in bondage to our fears and excuses.

Why? Because we wait for permission to be, and our mind has convinced us that we are powerless. Sometimes, the fear we feel comes from inadvertently giving others our power. The permission we expect might not be overt or a direct command from someone in authority, but we’ve internalized a message that tells us we can’t accomplish our dreams. We’ve developed an internal gauge that turns off and on, stopping us in our tracks. It shows up in our actions and words, sabotaging our efforts and discouraging our spirit. We must pay attention to that gauge or critical voice and learn to become its master.

Permission by Pamela Rae via hellopoetry.com
I asked my angels
some time ago
how can I find happiness
from within?–
and they replied
and told me–
“As soon as you give yourself permission
your inner joy will begin…”
From that moment on
I began to see,
to understand
what they were saying to me–
and now it seems second nature
to almost always be
full of joy, delight and peace
straight from within
I live with smiles
embracing my heart and soul
and wish so much
I could pass along to all
this beauty within
that I have come to know…

 

“If there is someone in your life who is not serving you or making you better, give yourself permission to move on.” Niecy Nash

Motivation Monday: PERMISSION - Give yourself a chance

Motivation Monday: PERMISSION – Give yourself a chance

As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others. Marianne Williamson
I gave myself permission to feel and experience all of my emotions. In order to do that, I had to stop being afraid to feel. In order to do that, I taught myself to believe that no matter what I felt or what happened when I felt it, I would be okay. Iyanla Vanzant

Why must we get on with our lives? Making choices that uplift and motivate us to achieve our goals requires commitment and a willingness to set aside excuses. They demand our attention and permission/approval and will nudge us as promptings of the heart until we respond. If we step back from claiming responsibility for becoming masters of our own destiny, we abdicate our right to joy, delight, and success. Our sense of personal freedom depends on our ability to reclaim ownership of our choices, hopes, and dreams. No one can give that to us and … no one can take it from us unless we turn it over to the care and, perhaps, mismanagement of others.

But how is that even possible? If you’ve ever had a hard time making a decision that could open new doors for you, contemplate the source of your fear and why you think it has merit. Take a moment to acknowledge the fearful voices rising and falling as you inhale and exhale. Then focus on the task at hand. What obstacles need to be addressed? Address them. If we want to live full and productive lives, we need to stop worrying about what other people might think or say and go for it. Decide to act and release yourself from the stranglehold of imaginary generals waving red or white flags at you. We must slay the dragon of fear and step forward fully ready to embrace life. Make the choice and stand by it.

 

A Story: Permit Yourself to Slay the Dragon of Fear
There was once a huge dragon in China that went from village to village, killing cattle, dogs, chickens, and people indiscriminately. So the villagers called upon a wizard to help them in their distress.
The wizard said, “I cannot slay the dragon myself, for magician though I am, I am too afraid. But I shall find you the one who will.”
With that, he transformed himself into a dragon and took up position on a bridge so everyone who did not know it was the wizard would be afraid to pass.
One day, however, a traveler came up to the bridge, calmly climbed over the dragon, and walked on.
The wizard promptly took on human shape again and called to the person,
“Come back, my friend – I have been standing here for weeks waiting for you!” via Zen Stories/Goodweb.cn

Motivation Mondays details are below. Join in! The themes for December ’16 and January 2017 are:

DECEMBER
12/05   –    01 World AIDS Day,  02 Int’ l Abolition of Slavery Day, 07 Pearl Harbor/Remembrance, 08 Immaculate Conception,
12/12   –    10 Human Rights Day, 12 Green Day,  16 Day of Reconciliation,
12/19   –    18 Int’ l Migrants Day, 21 Winter Solstice, 24 Start of Hanukkah,  25  Christmas Day
12/26  –    26 Start of Kwanzaa Day, 31 End of Year!

JANUARY
01/01   –   01 New Year’s Day, Hanukkah ends, 06 Epiphany, 06 Three Kings
01/08   –  08 Golden Globes Award,  11 Human Trafficking Awareness Day, 12 Full Moon
01/16   –  16  Martin Luther King Day, 18 Winnie the Pooh Day, 20 Inauguration Day
01/23 –   27 Commemoration of the Victims of the Holocaust, 28 Chinese New Year
01/29  –   29 Inspire your heart with art

Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2017?

post-a-week-2017-md
– Join the Daily Post Post-a-day or Post-a-week Challenge.

BHWritingLab_052016_post_PROMPT1A

— Join the BlogHer Writing Lab

 

More Below!

“Dream and give yourself permission to envision a You that you choose to be.” Joy Page

Motivation Monday: PERMISSION - Give yourself a chance

Motivation Monday: PERMISSION – Give yourself a chance

It is idleness that creates impossibilities; and where people don’t care to do anything, they shelter themselves under a permission that it cannot be done. Robert South
Parents must not only have certain ways of guiding by prohibition and permission, they must also be able to represent to the child a deep, almost somatic conviction that there is meaning in what they are doing. Erik Erikson

 

What more do we need to do? We must permit ourselves to see the magnificence that resides inside of each of us. Often, we spend our lives envying other people and their achievements instead of putting energy into appreciating who we are and what we have accomplished. If the only beautiful form we see is outside of us, we will never be satisfied. While it is important to have a game plan, develop our skills, and set goals, we need to stay focused and let go of our desperate search for perfection. We shouldn’t waste our time looking over our shoulders, wondering what everyone else is doing or what they will think of our effort. Just get on with it. The perfect time is now. The perfect vision we wish for is here. Be present and live. The perfect image you seek is you … permit yourself to cherish it.

A Story: The Perfect Image You Seek Is You…
The master sculptor surveyed the different blocks of marble at the quarry. In his lifetime, he had learned that there existed a “suchness” to every piece of stone. Finding that suchness and releasing it to its true life had been the secret of the sculptor’s success.
“Ah-ha,” he would say. “There is a heroic figure locked in that piece and a saint trapped inside that other one. But where will I find the stone from which I will sculpt my masterwork, a glorious statue of the Buddha?”
He had been searching for what he called the “Buddha block” for over forty years, and now he felt his energies waning. He had traveled to the great quarries of the world: Italy, where Michelangelo had mined his stone; Vermont, where the stone glowed with light; and obscure regions of the mountains of China.
Nowhere could he find that one perfect slab from which he knew he could release the most perfect likeness of Buddha. He consulted experts from around the world. He hired a specialist to scour obscure areas. No success. In search of consolation, he sought out a local Zen priest, who headed a small temple just at the end of his street. When he explained his fruitless search, the priest smiled and said, “No problem.” “Do you mean you can tell me where I might find the perfect material from which I can release the Buddha of my dreams?” said the excited sculptor.
“Of course.”
“Where?”
“Over there,” said the priest, pointing to a stone well in the courtyard. The excited sculptor ran to the well and looked down. There he saw his own image looking back at him.

 

Have a Happy, Healthy 2017!

Any Zen Antics stories via Goodweb.cn

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Positive Motivation Tip: The perfect image you seek is you. Permit yourself to embrace it.

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wants to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge, or post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a Motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment, and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays. Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to complement the page. It’s another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, useWordPress’’ integrated tool on your blog, or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM
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PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos –   via Wikipedia and/or Permission, Approval, Happy people,  via Pixabay

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

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from → Global & National Events, Love Life, Motivation Mondays, Positive Advice, Posts & Photos 2017
181 Comments leave one →
  1. NPC permalink
    09/01/2017 3:32 pm

    Always looking for ways to stay creative. Thanks for the suggestions!

    Reply
  2. alalisainfo permalink
    09/01/2017 3:34 pm

    It took a while for me to realize that I don’t need to ask permission for everything. I always one to seek other people’s approval and now realize that it’s not a necessity.

    Reply
  3. Robin Rue permalink
    09/01/2017 4:34 pm

    This is such an interesting perspective on permission. I love that you included that no one can hurt me without my permission. This is so true!

    Reply
  4. Amber permalink
    09/01/2017 5:05 pm

    Yes! I do give myself permission to move on–and to stay positive.

    Reply
  5. Julie Porter permalink
    09/01/2017 3:22 pm

    This strikes a chord deep within me, as I do live with a critical voice that many times holds me back from being all that I can be. I let fear hold me back and though I am learning to be better about challenging that fear, I have a long way to go. Reading this gives me more motivation to continue to keep working at changing this.

    Reply
  6. Heather permalink
    09/01/2017 3:39 pm

    I do believe I impose my own restrictions on myself. I also feel like I could have some people holding me back, but then I would have to let them hold me back, so that’s on me too. I love this post! Wonderful insight and very empowering for the year ahead.

    Reply
  7. SaraD. (@saraassistsyou) permalink
    09/01/2017 4:35 pm

    Lovely post about giving yourself permission. Oftentimes we don’t realize how the beliefs instilled in us when young play a significant role in how we deal with life and others. They also are one of the reasons some have difficulties making decisions. It’s a process, but it will happen with practice.

    Reply
  8. Liz Mays permalink
    09/01/2017 5:21 pm

    Learning to be present is going to be a big focus this year. I definitely think it’s time to stop creating obstacles for myself.

    Reply
  9. Author Brandi Kennedy permalink
    09/01/2017 6:08 pm

    This was perfect timing for me, and the quotes you included only served to drive the point home. It’s so important that we give ourselves permission to look out for ourselves, and too often we allow toxic people to poison us … because we tell ourselves all the reasons we can’t let go of what isn’t serving us anymore. This post will stick with me for some time – thank you.

    Reply
  10. Hey Sharonoox permalink
    09/01/2017 6:21 pm

    This is such a good reminder that I need to hear today. The story of the dragon and the perfect image sounds like a good examples of self permission. Could relate and learn from these. Thanks for doing this post!

    Reply
  11. TheOriginalPhoenix permalink
    09/01/2017 6:42 pm

    Reblogged this on Confessions of a Reborn Girl and commented:
    You don’t need anyone’s permission, other than your own, to live. This blogger nailed it right on the head.

    Reply
  12. Michelle Gwynn Jones permalink
    09/01/2017 8:49 pm

    It is important to let go of people who are not making your life better. It is amazing how freeing giving yourself permission to do that is.

    Reply
  13. The Trophy WifeStyle permalink
    09/01/2017 7:27 pm

    Omg yes!!! We must give our selves permission to love the lives we live!!

    Reply
  14. momknowsbest15 permalink
    09/01/2017 9:43 pm

    i need to remember that I dont need permission to live my life they way I want to. I give myself permission to enjoy life

    Reply
  15. kelly reci permalink
    09/01/2017 10:12 pm

    This post is perfect motivation for me. I should have given myself a permission to enjoy life after a hard work! Now I think I have to make plans of getaway! this is a graet post!

    Reply
  16. Mihaela Echols permalink
    09/01/2017 10:41 pm

    The answer is no. WE dont need permission to live our lives. Thats the freedom of America we have the right to choose.

    Reply
  17. Sarah Bailey permalink
    09/01/2017 11:45 pm

    We should know how to decide as a woman and not a child anymore that should be asking permission before doing a thing. Do whatever you want, decide on it but you should also take a time to think about it a lot of times to avoid misleading. But if in case fate becomes cruel, you should also have been ready and know how to handle its consequences.

    Reply
  18. Roads and Pages permalink
    10/01/2017 12:11 am

    This is a post that needs a profound reflection. I agree with everything that you posted in here. We have the power to control what we feel. Even though it may sound very challenging, but certainly it is something that is not impossible to happen. I also think that the enemy that we have to conquer is not anyone else but our own self. We have the power to feel the real happiness if we just let ourselves be free from negativities around us.

    Reply
  19. Elizabeth permalink
    10/01/2017 12:24 am

    This is so very true. A very thought provoking post, this – I need to work on permitting myself to embrace more of life.

    Reply
  20. My Teen Guide permalink
    10/01/2017 4:00 am

    What a powerful post! I agree with one of the quotes, I don’t need someone permission I’m who I am.

    Reply
  21. Abigail permalink
    10/01/2017 2:35 am

    Great read, I particularly enjoyed the Chinese dragon story.

    Reply
  22. Valerie Gray (@valmg) permalink
    10/01/2017 3:16 am

    I do not need permission from others to live life. And I learned in my early 20s I don’t need approval or acceptance either, a person needs to like his or her self.

    Reply
  23. Ana De-Jesus permalink
    10/01/2017 4:32 am

    Sometimes fear can stop as from doing what we love but it shouldn’t. We need to permit our mind to embrace change x

    Reply
  24. Chi Le permalink
    10/01/2017 4:46 am

    The post is meaningful, motivating people to be waking up and having a good life. I’d like your blog better if the font size could be bigger.

    Reply
  25. Tina Gleisner permalink
    10/01/2017 4:49 am

    Permission from others ,. no. I try to be mindful of others but definitely follow my head (and sometimes my heart)

    Reply
  26. Anosa permalink
    10/01/2017 4:50 am

    I always seem to seek permission or acceptance when doing anything and it annoys me and my husband so much lol I don’t know what it is but I seem to have to justify everything whihc is ridiculous because it is my life and I should live it as I please

    Reply
  27. Divya @ Eat. Teach. Blog. permalink
    10/01/2017 5:04 am

    This is actually why I’m trying to meditate more this year. I feel like decision-making has always been a difficult thing for me. It takes so much brain power and energy to even contemplate doing the smallest things. I think the more my mind clears out the extra fluff, the more likely I can hear what it is I truly want and then I can give myself the permission to do whatever that it without feeling any sort of guilt.

    Reply
  28. Jennifer Parker-Gilbert permalink
    10/01/2017 6:11 am

    I love the story about the Buddha and the well. It takes some soul searching to appreciate the beauty and strength inside of us. These are great tips for getting on the path of self-appreciation.

    Reply
  29. Dawn McAlexander permalink
    10/01/2017 7:48 am

    This reminds me of the old saying that it is better to ask forgiveness than permission. That isn’t always the case, though. Sometimes permission is the best thing to ask for.

    Reply
  30. vicky permalink
    10/01/2017 9:01 am

    I think we are sometimes so worried about what other people are going to think that it holds us back. Giving ourselves permission to do something regardless of what others think is key.

    Reply
  31. Heather DiNuzzo permalink
    10/01/2017 9:05 am

    As I get older, I worry less about what other people think. Everyone wants to want to control you, so you have to take charge. Great post!

    Reply
  32. C. Poly (@CPoly69) permalink
    10/01/2017 9:41 am

    Great poem! I really enjoyed reading it. I’m a huge lover of poetry and really enjoyed this piece.

    Reply
  33. Steve Goodwin permalink
    10/01/2017 9:49 am

    What a great way to start 2017, giving ourselves permission to be free and to pursue what we are looking for! Thanks for the encouragement and I hope to read more of your work in 2017!

    Reply
  34. Azlin Bloor permalink
    10/01/2017 10:12 am

    Another brilliant read, love the poem. You are right, we do need to learn to appreciate ourselves more!

    Reply
  35. Tess Chupinsky permalink
    10/01/2017 10:51 am

    I think this is right on. I’m a believer that you have to find motivation within to really ‘stick with it’.

    Reply
  36. Ave Hla permalink
    10/01/2017 10:59 am

    All the stories you choose are really inspiring! You are so right about most of the impositions are self-imposed.

    Reply
  37. TColeman permalink
    10/01/2017 2:12 pm

    When I was younger I definitely sought out permission from everyone around me. Now that I am older, I know that I need to just do things for myself and don’t need to ask the permission of others for my own happiness.

    Reply
  38. annaszoke permalink
    10/01/2017 12:12 pm

    I think this was really something I needed today. I always knew that good things come to our life if we allow them / able to see and accept them, but your post just made it even more clear for me! Thank You

    Reply
  39. Melanie Burbage permalink
    10/01/2017 12:46 pm

    Great post! you yourself can be your worst enemy. You don’t need anyone’s permission to live, and if you feel you aren’t living enough then you should talk to the person who’s responsible for that. Yourself.

    Reply
  40. Michele permalink
    10/01/2017 1:23 pm

    I never quite thought of permission in this context before. Although I generally do not seek permission for what I want to do—-when I think about it—-I have never been quite able to do anything without the “permission” of my Mom. She is well meaning—But——

    Reply
  41. Debonita @elegantlyfashionable permalink
    10/01/2017 1:50 pm

    I am so glad I stumbled upon this blog post. This is truly inspiring and I would love to be motivated reading the blog. I loved the quote mentioned by Mahatma Gandhi it’s so powerful.

    Reply
  42. Katie Kinsley permalink
    10/01/2017 2:08 pm

    I definitely give myself permission to try to things or try to change my career, but allowing myself permission doesn’t mean I end up to where I want to be.

    Reply
  43. Neely (@Neelykins) permalink
    10/01/2017 3:36 pm

    Oh this really speaks to me. I feel like I am always seeking permission from others and from myself. I need to let it go!

    Reply
  44. Cindy Ingalls permalink
    10/01/2017 4:28 pm

    I think it is a trap we all fall into sometimes; thinking we need others to validate our lives. The only person we need to ask permission from is ourselves.

    Reply
  45. Jeanine permalink
    10/01/2017 6:39 pm

    “If there is someone in your life who is not serving you or making you better, give yourself permission to move on.” – this comment by Niecy Nash is a powerful one and so true. I do this and it took me a long time to do so.

    Reply
  46. mybelleelle permalink
    10/01/2017 4:46 pm

    I have previously realized when I have given my own power over to others and it can be a scary thing. It is so freeing when you can release yourself from fear and get control over your life again. I completely agree about not wasting time by looking over our shoulders and that we should live in the moment.

    Reply
  47. kelly reci permalink
    10/01/2017 7:16 pm

    A Story: The Perfect Image You Seek Is You…
    this is perfect to read. i love everything in here, i think I should send this post to my relatives. im sure they will be inspired too like me!

    Reply
  48. Marceline Dementori permalink
    10/01/2017 7:34 pm

    That’s such a lovely reminder, it us who can permit ourselves to follow our dreams and reach for our goals. We need to make sure that we allow ourselves to move instead of cover ourselves in our fear of not being able to make it. I enjoyed that last bit about the sculptor, it’s truly motivating.

    Reply
  49. JustOneMommysOpinion (@1MommysOpinion) permalink
    10/01/2017 9:12 pm

    Beautiful post. I need to give myself permission to conquer a lot of fears I deal with everyday. One of them being my shyness towards others! This was very encouraging. Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  50. George permalink
    10/01/2017 11:24 pm

    What an insightful and open write-up. And inspirational images to go with. I love your Zen stories. Thanks for bringing us this!

    Reply
  51. Shirley permalink
    10/01/2017 10:42 pm

    Nice post, quite motivated me a lot. These nice thoughts will help us to be positive and motivated in life. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  52. Our Family World permalink
    11/01/2017 12:46 am

    If you think about, permission means there’s something secluded from you, or something you won’t be able to acknowledge or understand. I’m interested in that angle as well.

    Reply
  53. gessell permalink
    10/01/2017 10:52 pm

    A lot of us fall into the grass is always greener trap. It’s good to reflect on what we have and be thankful for it.

    Reply
  54. julie porter permalink
    11/01/2017 2:37 am

    I spent too many years of my life giving control of my happiness and emotions to others. It has taken me a long time to learn that I am the only one who is in control of my happiness and I still sometimes struggle with it, but I am getting better and better all the time.

    Reply
  55. Lisa Rios permalink
    11/01/2017 1:44 am

    Such a powerful quote from Arnold Bennett to start with for a unique topic and the pictures are quite amazing as well which is something you do your best every time. I very much agree that we need to listen to our own voice and move ahead as the permission we need is really within ourself!

    Reply
  56. Byron Thomas permalink
    11/01/2017 4:49 am

    I think I may have commented on this post before, but I keep coming back to it. It’s so beautifully written and so inspirational.

    Reply
  57. Patricia Tan permalink
    11/01/2017 3:19 am

    Aw. This is indeed a motivation, as well as inspirational. This sentence hits me, “we spend our lives envying other people and their achievements instead of putting energy into appreciating who we are and what we have accomplished.” I’ve been going through some dramas these past few days and I know I can help myself by focusing on what I have and be contented. Thanks for enlighten me!

    Reply
  58. MishyV permalink
    11/01/2017 3:28 am

    Great article! I really love to get motivated like this but it’s harder to keep this motivation throughout the day… But you’re so right! I don’t need anyone’s permission!

    Reply
  59. theboutiqueadventurer permalink
    11/01/2017 5:06 am

    Permission is an interesting word – I usually think of giving others permission rather than giving it to myself which is how you have discussed it. Interesting

    Reply
  60. Garf permalink
    11/01/2017 5:54 am

    It is winter and I am feeling homesick. I need motivation every single day at this time of the year.

    Reply
  61. George Felix permalink
    11/01/2017 6:34 am

    Such a lovely message. It’s good to be reminded about Letting Go of Negativity. We often tend to forget that we hold in our minds the power of choice with which we can filter what enters. Same holds true for negative things and persons.

    Reply
  62. Jolina permalink
    11/01/2017 8:36 am

    Do you need permission from others to live your life? No and never have. I think what I do need permission for is to allow myself to make mistakes. I’m too hard on myself sometimes.

    Reply
  63. Bhushavali permalink
    11/01/2017 7:07 am

    That’s a very interesting angle to deal with ‘permission’. Yes, we don’t need anyone’s permission to live and several restrictions are indeed self-imposed. The reasons are often the answers of very difficult questions like ‘would you travel the world and choose a long distance relationship’???

    Reply
  64. Terri Ramsey Beavers permalink
    11/01/2017 7:23 am

    I’ve come to realize that I don’t need permission from anyone except myself to live my life how I want to. What a great post and reminder to myself that my permission is all I need.

    Reply
  65. Krysten permalink
    11/01/2017 8:12 am

    I hope 2017 has treated you well so far. I really needed this. I have a hard time giving myself permission to do anything, it’s like I’m asking constantly from friends an family if I can do something.

    Reply
  66. Sandy N Vyjay permalink
    11/01/2017 8:52 am

    The self is the greatest friend and the greatest enemy of the self. So it is always the mind which decides how it should function as long as one is in control of the mind.

    Reply
  67. Lauren permalink
    11/01/2017 11:15 am

    Your posts are so thought provoking. I’m going to go read some of the others!

    Reply
  68. kaitbrough permalink
    11/01/2017 10:37 am

    So I really love the quote you used about how we choose what enters our mind. This is so true!!! I have been working really hard on mindfulness for awhile now and it makes such a difference. Great post!

    Reply
  69. Crystal Bowley Reagan permalink
    11/01/2017 10:41 am

    With the new year, I’ve read lots about resolutions. I am not normally one to set any, but I do appreciate the energy that comes with a fresh start. I like what you included about giving yourself permission right now. True I am always growing, but I find comfort in the permission to be who I am right now.

    Reply
  70. Urvi Shah permalink
    11/01/2017 11:02 am

    Love Love Love your post. Beautifully written and that poem adds charm into it. Since Sunday I was feeling down and I was not able to focus on my work. This post motivated me and true No one can hurt me without my permission. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

    Reply
  71. Борка Шаула permalink
    11/01/2017 11:05 am

    “If there is someone in your life who is not serving you or making you better, give yourself permission to move on.” this and Gandhi’s quote I like the most. Permission is often tricky. I find it that whenever people need to ask for a permission they aren’t free.

    Reply
  72. Saidah permalink
    11/01/2017 11:32 am

    I gave myself permission a long time ago. That’s when I began living a life that was full. Great topic this week.

    Reply
  73. Fatima permalink
    11/01/2017 12:49 pm

    This brings up a very important topic. I think a lot of us are always waiting for a sign to make a move. Growing up in a strict household, sometimes I forget that I have control over the decisions I make. We can’t wait for the green light to do something. Oftentimes you have to take the yellow one and proceed with caution.

    Reply
  74. 1stclassrvadventures permalink
    11/01/2017 3:11 pm

    I love that opening quote ! It reminded me about yw book Ask and It is Given where they remind us that the everythjng that happen in our lives happens by our invitation of it.

    Reply
  75. Kiwi permalink
    11/01/2017 1:19 pm

    I think many of us think we do need permission to do things even way into our adulthood. We are trained as kids by our parents, learning in school by our teachers, even in college and in our corporate jobs we need permission per say to do certain things so no wonder why many of us think we still need permission to live our lives a certain way. I think we should start asking ourselves and give our ownself PERMISSION to do what we want if its a strong desire. Be selfish too!

    Reply
  76. susanmarymalone permalink
    11/01/2017 3:26 pm

    Isn’t it funny how we even unknowingly wait for permission, those old tapes from childhood circling our heads. Love this!

    Reply
  77. Daytime Vegan permalink
    11/01/2017 2:01 pm

    I really needed to read this! I have worked hard over the last few months to stop worrying about what others are doing/accomplishing and acknowledge my own accomplishments. When I sit back and think of everything I’ve done over the last year, I feel happy. It motivates me and lets me know I can accomplish so much if I focus on myself and not so much on everyone else.

    Reply
  78. 2momsandababyblog permalink
    11/01/2017 3:12 pm

    I love the quote by Niecy Nash. People who are not making your life better just need to go! You will never better yourself if the people around you are bringing you down!

    Reply
  79. Julie Syl Kalungi permalink
    11/01/2017 3:17 pm

    I have Thoroughly enjoyed this post Elizabeth, I gave myself permission to Be the AMAZING Chicca that I am 4 years ago…You may ask what was I waiting for before that? Well I thought I owed everyone my time and Pretty please approve of me…Now I approve of Me and everyone else’s opinion is their business 🙂 Loved it Happy new Year to you too!

    Reply
  80. fashionphases permalink
    11/01/2017 4:40 pm

    Very well said, Elizabeth! Many of us allow ourselves to let fear control us. Once we allow fear to control us it will paralyze us from moving forward and succeeding.

    Reply
  81. Ann Bacciaglia permalink
    11/01/2017 5:28 pm

    This is going to be my year of changes and happiness. I recently started a new carer and have been inspired to live a healthier lifestyle. Now to work on getting more exercise.

    Reply
  82. Ali Rost permalink
    11/01/2017 7:56 pm

    What a beautiful post. I’m a quote junkie and love the one by Arnold Bennett. How easy it is for us to forget.

    Reply
  83. JcCee permalink
    11/01/2017 6:30 pm

    My word for the year is fearless as I am working on taking my power back that had me doubting and fearing to go after my dreams.

    Reply
  84. Herzlife permalink
    11/01/2017 8:30 pm

    Permission is one of the hardest thing to get from your parents when you are young and from yourself when you are already old, I mean the permission of moving on and exploring the unknown because of fear just like you have said. This is a very inspiring post!

    Reply
  85. Dhemz permalink
    11/01/2017 7:44 pm

    What a great read and an eye-opener. I don’t need other people’s permission but I do ask my husband’s permission when it comes to family decisions. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  86. Erica Schwarz permalink
    11/01/2017 8:06 pm

    “If we step back from claiming our responsibility to become masters of our own destiny, we are abdicating our right to joy” …of everything in this post, this is what rings most true with me. People love to blame their own unhappiness for WHATEVER on others. But we have to find our own joy, make our own joy – we are responsible for it ourselves. I have accomplished much so far in my life, and it is exactly because of this idea. Thank you for the reminder 🙂

    Reply
  87. dialkrista permalink
    11/01/2017 8:44 pm

    Very inspiring post, as usual! 🙂 Love the images of people giving themselves permission to be open and receptive. Remembering what we give our permission to in terms of time…tolerating…etc. is key to getting where we want to go in our lives…it can be surprising what we unknowingly allow ourselves to give permission for…even when we’d set a firm boundary…

    Reply
  88. Eileen permalink
    11/01/2017 9:26 pm

    I do not need permission to live my life the way I want. I have always believed in the saying, “My life, my mistakes.” It is good to ask for advice when we are having doubts, but decisions should always come from ourselves. I agree that the only permission we need to seek from ourselves is to release the true person that we are. The one we keep hidden for fear of being judged.

    Reply
  89. Shub permalink
    12/01/2017 12:31 am

    This topic is so unique! Yes, sometimes we have to treat our mind, brain and body as a third party and allow or disallow them certain things. Pics are nice as usual.

    Reply
  90. franckxethee permalink
    11/01/2017 11:26 pm

    Nobody can hurt us without our permission is really true. It’s always our choice on what to allow and what to tolerate. We can choose to take the high ground and not be affected.

    Reply
  91. Freya Farrington permalink
    12/01/2017 2:38 am

    It’s sometimes easier said than done to permit yourself to except things including yourself, I’m guilty for questioning everything and anything but today is a new day!

    Reply
  92. carrie@thelavenderhytta permalink
    12/01/2017 2:24 am

    You definitely do not need permission from others to live your life. I learned that recently actually and now I have accepted that my life is so much better.

    Reply
  93. Rosey permalink
    12/01/2017 3:19 am

    Sometimes we do give our power over to others and we dont’ even realize it. It can be hard to get it back.

    Reply
  94. Cătălina Nini permalink
    12/01/2017 4:11 am

    How inspiring is the story . It took me years to gain confidence in myself but I am glad I did. After all, I don`t know what I was afraid off, probably my own mind.

    Reply
  95. Dawn Gibson-Thigpen permalink
    12/01/2017 7:25 am

    you are an awesome writer. i love reading your posts

    Reply
  96. Melanie Burbage permalink
    12/01/2017 9:08 am

    We rule our lives nobody else. If your seeking permission to be happy or to turn your life around you should ask yourself- nobody else. Our happiness is up to us and no one else

    Reply
  97. DecoPix (@TiinaTibs) permalink
    12/01/2017 12:11 pm

    That was a wise advice – give yourself permission to move on. It’s no use to stuck in to something if it doesn’t lead anywhere. I think it’s time to get rid of all negative things.

    Reply
  98. Chrissy Mazzocchi permalink
    12/01/2017 10:37 am

    I love your motivation Monday posts. I need motivation everyday 🙂

    Reply
  99. Dana Vento permalink
    12/01/2017 2:38 pm

    I love that line about making choices to feel uplifted. That’s how I want to do it, and making a one-way decision does not mean there aren’t any choices in between.

    Reply
  100. Carissa Pelletier permalink
    12/01/2017 1:17 pm

    Great message. It’s interesting how the lack of permission can lead to one becoming powerless. I hope this helps others grant themselves permission and take back their power.

    Reply
  101. My Teen Guide permalink
    12/01/2017 3:57 pm

    I agree with the very last line. Sometimes we forget permitting ourselves to do things. Those types of situations are just really sad.

    Reply
  102. Missy Moore permalink
    12/01/2017 7:04 pm

    I love how inspirational this is! You don’t need anyone’s permission to do anything in life. What you want, you work for and take! 🙂
    x
    Missy
    Popofstyle.com

    Reply
  103. toughcookiemommy permalink
    12/01/2017 7:11 pm

    I think it is so important to be true to yourself and not to be seeking approval from others. At the end of the day, it is your life and you have to live it the way you want to.

    Reply
  104. Ana Ojha permalink
    12/01/2017 7:27 pm

    Very inspiring post! I’ve seen many people living shallow lives. They are always fearful and worried about the societal norms. Half of their lives go in thinking about what others will say! I feel sad for those people!

    Reply
  105. jennifer L permalink
    12/01/2017 9:57 pm

    It can definitely be hard to break from those notions that we have to ask people permission to live our lives. But truth is we don’t. We are the stars of our own lives.

    Reply
  106. Kiyshia permalink
    13/01/2017 10:29 am

    Its very true that as humans we allow ourselves to get hurt by other people. we open ourselves and leave our heats vulnerable. If you find you are constantly being hurt by others people then its time evaluate why you give them a permit to hurt you? it your body and your mind. I believe personal growth starts with your mind. what you will allow yourself to believe. its good to learn how to NOT allow people to hurt you. to say NO to being a verbal/emotional punching bag! this blog is a great and has lots of informative points.

    Reply
  107. Dana permalink
    13/01/2017 11:12 am

    It’s easy to be your own worst enemy and hold yourself back, waiting to be sure it is OK with someone else to be yourself.

    Reply
  108. Fred permalink
    13/01/2017 12:46 pm

    Sometimes we think too much about how others will judge what we do. We need to worry about how we will think about what we do in the long run, instead of what others will say. We don’t really need permission from others to do what we want, as long as you can defend what you want to do and it will not be a source of shame for you and your family in the future.

    Reply
  109. Jason Panuelos permalink
    13/01/2017 10:48 pm

    Whether it’s from others or ourselves, permission is a powerful driving force and it’s not something to take likely. When we have permission, we can do things better because we do them with the knowledge that what we do is permissible and right.

    Reply
  110. EverythingAliexpress permalink
    14/01/2017 5:53 am

    I do need a lot motivation not only mondays but It’s lovely to see yours 😀

    Reply
  111. Camesha | Mama Motivator permalink
    14/01/2017 5:40 pm

    So many of us wait for permission to do any and everything. I’m not sure why we give other people more authority than we give ourselves.

    Reply
  112. Aziel Morte permalink
    15/01/2017 7:38 am

    Wha a good message for me on this weekend. I have a full week of depression. So glad that you share this and I love the message

    Reply
  113. Tiffany Yong permalink
    15/01/2017 11:39 pm

    I remember a similar story to the sculptor’s story… It’s about how a farmer tried to search for diamond quarry, sold his farm and went around the country trying to search and wanting to get rich. But he didn’t know that there’s one big diamond mine right beneath his farm…

    Reply
  114. I Love Paars by: Lee permalink
    17/01/2017 8:13 am

    I find this topic very sensitive and confusing to be honest. As a stay at home mom I find it defiicult not to have an approval from my kids dad on many ways, sad but thats the reality.

    Reply
  115. thebookswag permalink
    18/01/2017 1:23 am

    I have enjoyed reading your post! Hard things to do but it’s truth. I hope I will get the courage to kick out fear, and get to see that the perfect image I seek is indeed me. Hoping to join in on one of the challenges too.

    Reply
  116. Mhaan Arambulo (@momyrockinstyle) permalink
    18/01/2017 1:35 am

    After all the searching, little did the sculptor know that there was no perfect material to showcase his true talent- none other than himself. I love this!

    Mhaan

    Reply
  117. Ayesha Heart permalink
    18/01/2017 4:26 am

    I love that quote and I agree that we should not ask other people for permission. We are the driver of our own life so we don’t let others steal our seat. I enjoy reading your post every time I visit your Blog. Keep it up!

    Reply
  118. Wanderlust Vegans permalink
    18/01/2017 1:58 pm

    You’re right that a lot of times it is ourselves getting in the way of our own success. People think people are afraid of fail but people are also afraid of success.

    Reply
  119. 9buckcrossing permalink
    22/01/2017 8:25 pm

    I really needed this today. It’s like permission to live and experience. Thank you for your posts! They are always so inspirational!

    Reply
  120. mira pstr permalink
    27/01/2017 8:12 am

    I would never understand what does the angel mean by finding Permission if there wasn’t the rest of the poetry, I like it so much, thank you for those piece of poetry

    Reply
  121. Peachy A. permalink
    01/02/2017 4:38 pm

    I used o be scared of making a decision for fear that it might not please the people around me but I’ve longed since set aside that fear and made decision based on what I like.

    Reply
  122. Jessica Collazo permalink
    31/01/2020 8:43 am

    This is a great list. I need a good old motivation.

    Reply

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