To Live List Episode 8 - Embracing Permission Fluidity and Self-Care
Updated: Dec 6
by Delia Grenville
Tune In: Embracing Permission Fluidity and Self-Care
In this episode of To Live List, I explore a topic that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant: the idea of permission. As I recorded this episode, I found myself unexpectedly nervous— that's rare for me when podcasting. Rather than push the nerves aside, I embraced them as part of the experience, granting myself the permission to feel what I was feeling. And that became a fitting segue into the heart of this episode's discussion: how we give ourselves permission to live fully.
Permission: More Than a Buzzword
When we think about the word “permission,” it often feels tied to external forces—parents, teachers, employers, or society. Many of us grow up with permission being “outsourced,” a structure managed by others to shape our decisions and behaviors. As adults, though, the responsibility shifts to us, yet we don’t always recognize it. Are we granting ourselves the freedom to live in alignment with our desires, needs, and values?
Keke Palmer on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Nov 18th, 2024
Permission Lists: A Starting Point
While reflecting on this topic, I stumbled across lists online—collections of affirmations that remind us of what we’re allowed to do. Here’s a small sample:
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to change your mind.
You are allowed to take up space.
You are allowed to prioritize yourself.
You are allowed to say no.
It struck me how often we deny ourselves these basic freedoms, even though they’re essential for living a full life.
Permission Fluidity: A New Perspective
As I unpacked the concept further, a new term came to mind: permission fluidity. This idea acknowledges that the boundaries of permission aren’t static—they ebb and flow depending on circumstances, relationships, and our internal compass. Being permission-fluid means recognizing when to lean into your autonomy and when to honor the needs and boundaries of others.
For example:
Are you giving yourself the permission to rest without guilt?
Are you allowing those around you to make decisions for their happiness, even if it impacts you?
Living fully requires balancing these dynamics—giving and receiving permission with care and mutual respect.
Why Permission Matters Post-Pandemic
The pandemic reshaped our lives in countless ways. For many, it brought unrelenting pressures and a loss of control. As we navigate life after such a seismic shift, it’s crucial to reassess how we treat ourselves and others. Are we still stuck in survival mode, or can we now embrace the opportunity to reset and live more intentionally?
A Call to Action: Create Your Own Permission List
In the spirit of the To Live List, I encourage you to explore your own “permission list.” Think of this as a living document—a set of affirmations that you can revisit and revise as needed. Here are some prompts to get started:
What have you been denying yourself that you’re ready to allow?
How can you practice permission fluidity in your daily life?
What small steps can you take to prioritize self-care?
To Live List, Season 2, Episode 1 intro
A Period of Opportunity
As we look toward the future, I encourage you to see this as a period of opportunity. Grant yourself the permission to pause, reflect, and take intentional steps toward living your best life. Remember: self-care isn’t selfish, and growth often begins with small, deliberate choices.
Listen and Share
If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to share this episode with someone who might need it. You can find To Live List on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at tolivelist.com. Let’s spread the word about embracing permission fluidity and creating lives filled with joy, love, and laughter.
Until next time, take care of yourself—and give yourself permission to truly live.
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