Here Is Your Permission Slip

Print it out. Live it out. Throw it out like a confetti.

First things first: I am not a real doctor.

I put that on the permission slip so it would feel more official, okay?

As a kid, permission slips quickly become part of your life. These little pieces of paper dictate your ability to participate in field trips or join extracurricular activities. You need a hall pass to go to the bathroom. One time I had a permission slip that said it was okay for me to wear shorts! WHAT POWER!

As we get older, the concept of needing permission can become deeply entrenched in our psyches. It can manifest as a weird reluctance to take initiative. We get stuck needing some form of external validation allowing us to be or do anything.

Is it okay if I step out and do this? Who am I to do this? IS IT OKAY FOR ME TO WEAR SHORTS?!?

I recently spoke at an event for social impact leaders in Atlanta, Georgia. I shared the personal tension I have felt in needing permission. Over the last few years, so many of my plans have gone completely sideways. Running your own creative business is HARD. I’ve wondered if it was even okay to *gasp* dream again.

So I wrote out a permission slip for myself. I also printed out a thousand of them. I threw them out like confetti to the crowd.

Here is a clip:

In my waiting for some sort of outside permission, I’ve hesitated to chase dreams.

I’ve stalled in starting things, in telling stories, expressing opinions, speaking up, and showing up.

Sharing this today in case you’re in a similar boat.

I’m continually in awe of you. Your notes, emails, comments, and many brilliant transmissions you send my way are truly inspiring. You are a brilliant bunch. We cannot have you just standing by waiting for someone to give you the green light.

So here’s your permission slip.

This is a free downloadable and printable permission slip. Use it. Live it. Spread it around!

Chart a fresh path. Pursue that passion. Say the thing. Make the thing.

Create a much-needed change in your life and the world.

You don’t need my permission, but…

just in case you’ve been waiting for somebody to pass you a permission slip …

an official form of consent to dream again (FROM A DOCTOR, no less) …

Here you go:

Permission granted.

P.S. The organizer of the event mentioned above is my friend Jeff Shinabarger. He has an excellent new podcast you will love: The Social Impact Leader

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I am obsessed with picture books and these excellent Substacks have been making me so happy lately. Absolutely had to share with you:

1. MOONBOW: It seems with each post she dives into yet another bookmaker I adore. Her recent piece is “A Shock of Delight” and you must read it.

2. AT THE KIDS TABLE: Tomi Ungerer! Arnold Lobel! Judy Blume! I love what Rachel is doing so much. Not only is her Substack wonderful, but she is the author + illustrator of a book with one of the best titles ever: How To Pee Your Pants (The Right Way)

3. DRAWING A BLANK: Jacob Souva is brilliant. He regularly offers a peek behind the scenes at the life of a picture book maker. What you’ll discover is a generous heart as vibrant as the art he makes. Huge fan.

4. SHARP READ: I’ve long been a fan of Colby Sharp. I’m so jealous of his students and am grateful we get glimpses of time in his classroom. His recent post about reading a final batch of picture books to his fifth graders is incredible.

WHAT ARE OTHERS? TELL ME MORE! FEED ME, ENTUSIASTS!

My shop is open and shipping out orders. You can hire me to speak. You can share this post with your friends (or enemies). Any of these actions will help continue my work! THANK YOU!