There are seasons when life doesn’t necessarily feel hard. It just feels like there isn’t an off switch. There are emails to answer, appointments to remember, meals to make, deadlines to meet, people depending on you, and a hundred little decisions that quietly fill every corner of the day. Even the things we love can begin to feel like another item on the to-do list. Eventually, many of us stop asking ourselves, “How am I doing?” Instead, we ask, “What still needs to get don

There are times when offering an explanation is thoughtful and appropriate. But have you ever noticed how quickly we begin explaining ourselves, even when no one has asked? “I can’t make it because…” “I’m leaving early because…” “I said no because…” Sometimes, before anyone responds, we’ve already started building a case for why our decision was reasonable. Many of us learned, often without realizing it, that our choices were more likely to be accepted if they made sens

Before making an important decision, many of us look outside ourselves. Not because we haven’t thought it through, but because we need someone to reassure us we’re making the right choice. Years ago, someone I trusted said something I’ve never forgotten. “I don’t think you’re looking for advice. I think you’re looking for permission.” They were right. I already knew what I wanted to do. I just didn’t trust myself enough to move forward until someone else agreed. Looking back,