Sometimes you have to write yourself a “permission slip.” Remember those back in grade school? They were the ones your parents wrote for your teacher or school telling them that you had permission to leave early, or permission to attend a class trip. It seems so long ago yet as adults I think we need to write one to ourselves.

I’m home by myself this week. Eight days and seven nights of “alone” time and it’s been good for me. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of travel and my oldest and daughter-in-law came for a visit, so this time was much needed and well deserved.

And during this time, I realized something sacred: “I can.”

I can say no to what drains me.

I can say yes to what lights me up.

I can order takeout without guilt.

I can write when I feel called to.

I can nap if I need to.

I can breathe deeply.

I can be gentle with myself.

I can say: “This is my time.”

This is the freedom that we often forget that we’re allowed to take. Balance isn’t about doing it all, it’s about knowing when to shift, when to rest and when to rise.

Write yourself a permission slip. Remember that this is your time. Live a life of “I can!”

And enjoy every moment of it.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~