A few days ago, while perusing the aisles of Target to get out of the house for a bit, I ran across a mug. It was yellow and, in a pretty font, read, “You already have what it takes.” I didn’t purchase the mug, thanks to my love for coffee mugs, cups, and tumblers that already has my cabinets quite full. I did, however, pause to snap a photo because it resonated. Here I was, strolling through Target, hearing (or reading, in this case) the words I, at this moment, desperately needed to hear.

That same week, during a mindful journaling practice, I pulled a card (pictured) from Gabrielle Bernstein’s Spirit Junkie card deck that rang out a similar note. Step. Into. Your. POWER! Clearly, the universe was trying to tell me something. As I mulled over starting a new endeavor with scary uncharted territory ahead, I was surrounded by nudges to go for it.

Through my own reflection on these occurrences, I wondered how often I get in my own way. How often have I waited to obtain just one more step, or qualification, or experience before I would consider myself “ready” to pursue my wildest dreams? I immediately thought back to reading Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead and her discussion of permission slips. Why was I not giving MYSELF permission? Permission to take a chance. Permission to chase a dream. Permission to fail and succeed.

How many of us so often seek permission? Validation? How many of us so easily extend grace and permission to others but rarely ourselves? I guess herein lies the challenge, not only for myself but for anyone reading. What permission can you give yourself today? This week? This year? Remind yourself of the words you need most to hear, and step into the power you already possess.

With Grace & Gratitude, CB