Permission Slip
Living the life you want can start today
Listen to this post:
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." - William James
I used to believe that fulfillment was waiting for me in the next role, promotion, or maybe even at a different company entirely. Like many of us, I had internalized a story that my self-worth was tied to my outward success compared to others.
Then, I received an unexpected wake-up call. Lying in an ICU bed, facing brain surgery, I wasn't thinking about job titles, corner offices, or building 6-pack abs. I was thinking about my family and making sure they were cared for. Also, there was one burning question in the back of my mind: if I was soon to take my last breath, had my life mattered?
When I returned to work, the promotion I'd been counting on didn't materialize. Everything in me wanted to quit and keep clinging to the same worn-out definition of success. But God was stirring something more profound in me—a realization that the transformation I sought wasn't about changing my external circumstances but my internal ones.
What happened over the next several months surprised me. Desperate to find meaning in my daily life, I devoured personal growth books, immersed myself in podcasts from thought leaders, and hired a coach. I started approaching each day with renewed purpose. I began to believe deep in my core that the life I wanted started with me.
The change didn’t happen overnight, but over time, I shifted from a “woe is me” mindset to a “what can I do for others” mindset. This attitude shift didn't just change how I felt—it changed how others responded to me. Relationships deepened. My impact grew. By focusing on growing bigger on the inside, I added value to others and attracted new opportunities I never knew existed.
So, what keeps us from realizing we hold the key to changing our lives? Surprisingly, it could be wanting permission—someone to tell us we have the green light to do something meaningful with our lives.
I want you to know that you can begin that journey today, right where you are:
What are you grateful for? Write it down.
Choose one thing: One area where you can grow, one relationship you can deepen, one life process you can improve.
Choose your attitude. It's the one thing you always have control over, no matter the circumstances.
Serve someone: My worst attitudes melt away when I take the focus off of me and help someone else.
If you’re still on the fence and are looking for permission, I give it to you. Right now. Today. I believe in you. I believe your creator made you on purpose and for a purpose—a purpose that only you can accomplish.
You now have permission to take this one life you were given and just go for it.
I’m cheering you on!
This image lingers.
I'm cheering you on too, Tarek. ☺️