Write Yourself a Permission Slip
One day as I was venting to a friend about a job I despised, she interrupted and grandly proclaimed, “I hereby give you permission to quit your job and do what you truly want ”
I had to laugh. Her words made me realize that the only thing keeping me stuck was that I hadn’t given myself permission to do otherwise. So now, whenever one of us is hesitant about the next step in our lives, the other will say, “Would you like a permission slip?” It’s our playful way to remind each other that the only real limitations come from within.
Since then I have made it a habit to write up a “Cosmic Permission Slip” for myself from time to time. Here’s what I do:
I create a new file in my word processor and begin with the phrase, “The Universe hereby grants me permission to…” and then quickly fill the rest of the page with anything - and I mean anything - that comes to mind, “…sleep in, stay up late, buy new pants, write a novel, feel whatever I feel, paint my toes, make mistakes, snore, follow my heart, create artwork even if it sucks, be as happy as I want, be cranky, say goodbye to toxic friendships, be a hermit, go dancing, contradict myself, have fun, change my mind, do what makes me feel the most alive,” and so on.
It’s important to fill up the entire page, because often, about halfway through, I will hit upon areas that make me feel uncomfortable. It’s tempting to stop at that point, but it can be very enlightening to push on through your resistance. It was while writing up a Cosmic Permission Slip, for instance, that I realized how many issues I had around the idea of whether or not I deserved the kind of life I desired.
I encourage you to try it for yourself. Quickly fill up a page granting yourself permission to do anything that comes to mind, then slowly read back through your list and observe your feelings. Does any of it make you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable? Do you catch yourself thinking, “how selfish?” or “how silly?” Those are the items to explore. Those are the places you are stuck. Ask yourself, “Why haven’t I given myself permission to do this particular thing?”
Now go back to your list and choose five or six items that feel especially important to you and your current situation. Write or print them onto a piece of paper. I have even laminated one the size of a business card to carry in my purse before. After all, a Cosmic Permission Slip is just as important - if not more so - as a driver’s license or credit cards.
In case the idea of making a Cosmic Permission Slip still sounds silly to you - why not give yourself permission to try something silly? And perhaps it will help you to know that Albert Einstein once said, “If at first an idea is not absurd, there will never be any hope for it.”
So, go ahead. Make yourself a Cosmic Permission Slip. You have my permission!
Your blog is on my list of faves. This Cosmic Permission Slip idea is wonderful. I must create one as soon as I have time to myself (give myself permission to have time to myself). And, yes, if someone complains about his/her job to me too many times, I often encourage that they look elsewhere because the negativity infects the work environment. My comment to you probably would not have been as inspiring as your friend’s, however!
@Wyneth: Thanks Wyneth! You are my first commenter - yippee! I am excited that someone has found me on the blogosphere. I’ve added you to my blog roll (you’re the first one, since this blog is just starting out.) Thanks for making my day. :)
@Stacey: Thanks! And thanks for publishing my article in your Megazine. :)
Wonderful idea! I like the idea of laminating the slip, too!
[…] Go Make Art is one big permission slip to be creative and have fun doing it. Check it out! […]
I know who your friend is that gave you your first permission slip and it is a fabulous idea! I love your Blog so much and check it out daily! You are a fabulous, interesting, beautiful writer and I always love reading what you write! Keep following your heart and dreams! Alix!
@Alix - Yup, *you* are the friend I mention in this post. Hehe, the secret is out! ;)
What an excellent process, Tui!!
It is often amazing to find out just how we restrict ourselves from even fulfillments that our spirit needs. This is a good way to flush out those sabotaging beliefs.
Thank you.
Peace and wonder,
CG
@CG Walters: Thanks for stopping by. And yes, what you mention is a lesson that I keep learning over and over and over. :)
I love this idea - and I think it can be taken a step further. As well as thinking of personal actions and feelings how about applying it to our business and career aspirations?
After all - if you own a business - why shouldn’t you give yourself permission to be outrageously successful?
Thanks for sharing
~ Carol Bentley
P.S. I’ll let my blog visitors know about this post - probably in 2008 ’cause I’ve already written up to Christmas. Have a good one everyone :)
@Carol Bentley: Sure! We should all give ourselves permission to be wildly successful. Good reminder.
Thanks in advance for passing this article along. The start of a new year is always a nice time to update one’s permission slip. :)
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