This Is for You

There is no one way to live, love, raise children, arrange a family, run a school, a community, a nation. — Glennon Doyle

When I became interested in personal development, I knew I had some work to do. The experts gave me a clear path forward and I followed it like gospel. Externally, I had it all right.

Boxes were being ticked off my to-do lists.
Goals were being made and implemented.
My days were full, so I always seemed busy and important.

After a while, something didn’t feel right.

Hobbies that I enjoyed were being neglected.
My time wasn’t spent with those who I cared for most.
My days were not aligning with my values.

As I filled my head with more of their advice, I neglected listening to my heart and intuition.

I was listening to society instead of listening to myself. People feel compelled to fill the void with stuff, keep up with the Joneses, and to do it all. If you relate to any of this, I want to give you permission.

You don’t need to complete your to-do list to have a good day.
You don’t have to make and implement goals to improve as a person.
You don’t need to do it all to be valued.

You’re already complete.

If you feel any societal pressure to live a life that is not your own, this is for you.

The transition to live your own life can feel awkward and uncertain. There might be moments where you’re not sure what step to take next. That’s okay.

Pause.
Breathe.
Give yourself time.

Do what makes sense for this season of your life according to your values and beliefs. Don’t do it for me, or for anyone else. This is all for you.

Once you realize that, your journey has already begun. Glennon Doyle described it best when she wrote, “Being human is not hard because you’re doing it wrong, it’s hard because you’re doing it right.”

Be yourself, even if it’s hard. You have all the permission you need.