Permission to Trust Yourself

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, I realized I wasn’t really looking for counsel anymore.

I was looking for someone to co-sign what I already knew.

Self-trust isn’t something we’re born with.

It develops over time.

The way the people around us respond to our thoughts, feelings, and choices shapes whether we grow into adults who trust our discernment or constantly question it.

That’s why reassurance can become so tempting. Sometimes it stops being about gathering

wisdom and starts becoming a way to make our own discernment feel safe enough to trust.

Over the years, my faith has deepened my trust in my discernment.

My rhythm has become simple.

Pray.

Reflect.

Seek wise counsel.

Discern.

Decide.

Today, I seek wise counsel without mistaking it as permission.

A Gentle Reflection

Where in your life might you be relying on someone else to give you permission…

when what you really need is to trust the discernment you’ve been developing all along?