How many of us are just waiting – waiting for a special occasion, a sign, or for someone else’s approval before we finally give ourselves permission to live? We hold back from joy, delay our own healing, and wait for happiness like it’s something only others are allowed. Sometimes it takes years to realize: the only real permission slip is the one we write ourselves.
Give yourself permission to live.Permission to heal.Permission to be happy.
Stop waiting for the calendar to say it’s time, or for someone else to invite you into your own life. Go to that fancy restaurant, by yourself. Wear the beautiful outfit, even if no one’s there to see it. Become so in love with who you are, so at peace with your own company, that it genuinely doesn’t matter whether you’re with someone or alone. And no, this isn’t about narcissism or ego. It’s about loving yourself with the same compassion and loyalty you give so freely to others.
Be so content in your own skin, so sure of your worth, that anyone who wants to be a part of your life needs to deserve a space in it. Don’t wait for someone to sweep in and fill the empty places, fill them yourself. Give yourself what you need. Heal those wounded parts that have been waiting for attention. Learn the skill, take the course, pick up the hobby you keep putting off. Put on your favourite outfit and take yourself to the theatre. Send yourself flowers. Eat cereal out of the “good” dishes just because you can. Book that trip you keep postponing, go alone if you want to.
And don’t hold back on the words you need to hear, either. Look in the mirror and say, You did well. You look bloody sexy today. Stop waiting for someone else to give you the validation you crave. It’s not about arrogance, it’s about removing the disappointment of waiting for praise that may never come.
“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”– Maya Angelou
Live your life so full that there’s no space for regret, no time for “I should have.” When you finally start living for yourself, something remarkable happens: the negativity loses its hold. Jealousy and envy fade. There’s no one left to envy, because you’re already living the life you desire.
But it all starts with a decision – giving yourself permission.
As a hypnotherapist, I once worked with a client who couldn’t break out of a cycle of self-blame, no matter how many sessions we did. Finally, I asked her to write a letter to herself, giving herself permission to heal and to be happy. It was awkward, even silly at first. But that was the breakthrough, once she gave herself that permission, real healing began. The hypnotherapy started to work, because her soul had finally decided she deserved it.
When you love yourself, you stop filling your life with people out of desperation or loneliness. You choose the people in your life because you want them there. Your energy changes. You radiate a confidence that calls in people who are also whole and healing. And when your energy is high, you lift the people around you. You don’t wait for a knight in shining armour… you become your own knight.
“We accept the whole package with love. Unconditionally… Today is the day you can love yourself totally with no expectations.”– Louise Hay
So why do we find it so hard to be kind to ourselves? We’re taught from childhood to be kind, respectful, and compassionate to others, but rarely are we told to show ourselves that same grace. It’s your turn now.
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”– Maya Angelou
A huge part of loving yourself is forgiveness – not just a blanket “I forgive myself,” but honest, conscious amends where they’re needed. If you’ve hurt others (intentionally or not), do what you can to set things right. Your soul knows the difference. Forgiveness, like healing, is an ongoing act of courage.
“When you love you should not think you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.”– Khalil Gibran
Remember, you are not insignificant.You are not just a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop, as Rumi said. You matter.You may be one of eight billion, but you’re not a nobody.Be the celebrity in your own life. Make yourself the hero you always wished would come for you.
If you want to start anywhere, start here:Give yourself permission.Permission to heal.Permission to be happy.Permission to be the love, the hero, the knight, and the legend of your own story.
Stop waiting.Start living.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
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