Give Yourself Permission to Be You

I don’t know if it’s because she drops whatever she’s doing when the music comes on, or if it’s because she grabs my hand to join her. Whatever it is, I love to watch my little niece dance.

She’s too young to realize that she’s off beat and that most people don’t think spinning and running in place constitutes dancing. No Harlem Shake or line dancing…just her own beat and whatever rhythm she finds in her heart. She is free and doesn’t need permission.

Two weeks ago, I spoke at the amazing “10th Annual Heal A Woman to Heal A Nation Conference” in Pikesville, Maryland. After my speech, a young woman approached me in tears and thanked me for helping her to realize that she “didn’t need permission” to be herself. I understood because I used to live my life as an apology. I started conversations with, “Sorry to bother you but…” I didn’t realize it, but I was always apologizing for my presence, as if I wasn’t worth the time I was asking others to invest in me.

I was always taught to respect others and value their time and show them courtesy. But, I forgot that I was worthy of the exact same things.

As I watch my niece twirl around the floor with her hands and arms outstretched, I am reminded that we are free, when we:

1. Open Up: Closed hands can’t receive new blessings. We instinctively close up to protect what we want to keep. But we must remember that if we aren’t willing to lose something, we usually can’t gain what we deeply desire. The same action that keeps things in—locks things out. Keeping our emotional and spiritual freedom is pivotal to a joy filled life. We can only lose them when we allow the pain from negative experiences to “determine” how we live.

2. Get Out of Line: We can’t fly “playing it safe” and “being liked.” I don’t condone or encourage irresponsible behavior, or isolating ourselves from others. But there are times when “line dancing” or doing what everyone expects is actually hazardous to our spiritual and emotional health. I love line dancing like everyone else, but sometimes to really live…you have to get out of line! Dance to what is in your heart by following your unique dreams and passions! Anything less will paralyze you. 

3. Move When Life Moves You: I believe that God gives us instincts to lead us to the path that He purposes for our lives. Sometimes we miss opportunities because we ignore our instincts. The right phone call at the right moment could change your life. We talk ourselves out of opportunities because we live as if life is only what we see. There is far more waiting for us. Practice following your instincts and watch what unfolds for you.

Do Your Work: This week, challenge yourself to open your heart by being transparent. Then, challenge yourself to get out of line by doing something unique and creative that you’ve been longing to do. Finally, listen to your instincts by responding quickly to your heart’s promptings.

Define Your Wealth: Affirm out loud: “I choose to dance my dance and be me. I don’t need permission to be myself!”

Recently named the “North America’s Next Greatest Speaker” by eWomenNetwork, Felicia T. Scott is a Certified Empowerment Coach™ who empowers her clients to turn their Worth into Wealth as she partners with them to DISCOVER their WORTH, DO the WORK and DEFINE their WEALTH.  Get more insight, download the FREE “8 Choices Winners Must Make” seminar MP3 on her website.