Give Yourself Permission to Say Yes

Ideas Worth Sharing  What would you do if you gave yourself permission to say yes? Maybe there's something creative you've wanted to try. A class you've thought about taking. Or an idea you've put off because life got busy. In this Ideas Worth Sharing episode, I'm sharing a book I really enjoyed: Life Whimsy: How to Think, Play, and Work More Creatively by Wendy Conklin, founder of Chair Whimsy. One of my favorite ideas from Wendy's book is the permission slip. A place to write down what you're giving yourself permission to do—and sign your name. Wendy also encourages us to make more room for play. You'll also hear a clip from my conversation with Wendy about creating a home and workspace filled with things that bring you joy. I also reflect on this week's conversations with Mandy Rowden, Jennifer Navarrete, and Jamin Ochoa. Each took a chance on something new without knowing exactly where it would lead. It's all part of our first week's theme, Permission to Begin. Questions We Explore Why do we sometimes need permission to try something new? It's easy to put off something we want to do because life gets busy, it feels impractical, or we're waiting for the right time. Wendy's permission slip offers a simple way to make a decision for ourselves. How can play and creativity help us create a life we enjoy? Wendy encourages adults to make time for play, experiment with new activities, and surround themselves with things they love. Her Play Every Day challenge is one way to begin. What small change can bring more joy into everyday life? It might be trying something different, making a creative space at home, or finally saying yes to an idea you've been considering. One Idea to Take With You This weekend, create your own permission slip. Write: I give myself permission to ____________________. Fill in the blank. Then sign your name. Maybe you're giving yourself permission to try something new, have more fun, or stop waiting until everything is perfect. Think about one small action you can take to make that permission real. You don't have to change your entire life this weekend. But you can start creating more of the life you want. Featured Book: Life Whimsy: How to Think, Play, and Work More Creatively by Wendy Conklin. Featured guest: Wendy Conklin is the founder of Chair Whimsy, known for her colorful, one-of-a-kind chairs. A former teacher and educational consultant, she has built a creative business that includes online courses and retreats for creative entrepreneurs. This episode includes an excerpt from my earlier conversation with Wendy. Listen and Connect Full Wendy Conklin interview: Life Whimsy with Wendy Conklin Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com.