Permission to Be Human Anniversary: 4 Lessons on Living Your Values, Setting Boundaries, and Embracing Authenticity
You know those milestones in life where you look back and think, “Dayyyymmnnn – has it really been that long?” The days are long, but the years are short. Ya know?
I’ve been thinking about that this week because it’s my four-year anniversary of officially becoming an author of Permission to Be Human: The Conscious Leader’s Guide to Creating a Values-Driven Culture. ?
??️Jump in my time machine with me for a moment here…
Four years ago, we were still social distancing and unsure whether we would make it through the pandemic. Four years ago, AI wasn’t accessible to the masses, and people still thought that Zoom happy hours were cool. And buffering during a meeting was the worst.
Time sure has changed!
And on the cusp of this 4-year anniversary, I was tickled pink to be unexpectedly contacted by a publisher to partner with me on my next book!
When I initially got the email, I wasn’t sure if it was some kind of scam. (Hey – limiting beliefs!) So when I forwarded it to my trusted connections in the book space, they unanimously said, “This is as real as it gets! You have the upper hand since they approached you. Go for it!”
I was stoked. And my ego was definitely getting a massage.
It had been 4 years since my last book, so this must be when I was supposed to do the next one. Right?
After initial conversations and a proposal later, we were all excited. When it came time to discuss the details, they said they needed me to commit to 40-50 live speaking engagements a year to “eliminate risk” and “see the return on their investment” with me.
It felt like whiplash.
Wait… what? First, you come to me as an asset, and now you’re referring to me as a liability?
Am I only “valuable” to a publisher if I’m a work addict? Do they not believe in my ability to get my books out in the world without having to be everywhere except for my heaven on earth ranch that I never want to leave? Do they really think non-stop travel was in alignment with my book about creating values-driven boundaries?!?
What was initially an ego boost became a massive gut punch.??
After I licked my initial wounds. One thing was crystal clear: There was no f-ing way that I was going to agree to something that violated my values of Inner Harmony, Wellbeing, and Authenticity. PERIOD.
And you know how I learned how to do that? By giving myself Permission to Be Human and living in my values, of course. ?
So here I am, full circle, four years after writing Permission to Be Human. Giving it to myself unconditionally. And feeling the shift in Inner Harmony, Wellbeing and Authenticity by knowing what is and isn’t a values fit for me. AKA exactly what my book teaches you to do. Especially when it comes to work!
?Here are Four Things I’ve Learned about Permission to Be Human on its 4-Year Anniversary:
- ✍️Becoming an author is easily one of the best ways to make an exponential impact, in perpetuity. I still feel so blessed when someone leaves a review or says my book was selected for their book club or even lets me know that they used it to help them through a rough time. And that happens all the time!Even if that’s an impact on 1 person, it’s worth it to write a book if there’s a story in your heart that’s waiting to be written.
- ❤️?It’s easier to give others permission to be human than it is to give to yourself. We are often generous and compassionate towards others, yet rarely extend the same grace to ourselves. Let’s change that!
- ?Doing it all yourself is a great way to learn if you want to do it on your own next time. I didn’t just self-publish; James and I created a whole publishing company in order to birth my first book baby. We wanted to understand the whole process, what it took and where we might want extra help with a traditional publisher next time.I also thought it would be cool to have the ability to publish the work of other rising authors who are experts in the values space.
Now that I’ve been approached by a publisher, I know that when I’m ready, I will manifest the perfect publishing partner that aligns with my values and vision of impact. No rush – always in divine time. I’m grateful for the excitement it created in me, so I can follow that spark to see a bigger vision!
- ?The Permission to Be Human Pledge works! After doing challenges, leading teams and creating guided meditations around my permission to be human pledge for tens of thousands of people all over the world, I know for sure that it works.Try reciting it yourself and see:
When you slow down, igniting more self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-care, life is better. Check out the guided practice below. ⬇️
Here are ??FOUR gifts?? I want to give you on this special milestone memory:
- ?Download the e-book or audiobook for free here. Snag your copy so you can give yourself Permission to Be Human today.I had so much fun recording this audiobook during the 6-month anniversary. All done from a recording studio at the Baltimore Public Library system.
- ?️Take our core values quiz to understand what truly lights you up! In less than 10 minutes, get a fascinating picture of what intrinsically motivates you. The first step to living your values is to know what they are!Let our free quiz be your guide.
- ✨Join our DailySpark community – made for you if you know you want more self-care but don’t feel like you have the time. Designed to listen to over your morning coffee, commute or still laying in bed. Each day, we email you a 2-3 minute guided meditation so you can pause and choose to actually live your life in alignment with your values.Fun fact: This entire series was inspired by the reflections and affirmations from my book! What started as an oracle card deck has now taken a new life!
Normally $10/month – Today 60% off on your first month with the code FOUR for $4 for your first month.
- ?Listen to the Permission to Be Human Pledge guided meditation. This short practice will remind you to:• Honor what makes you perfectly imperfect.
• Meet yourself where you are, not where you want to be.
• Suspend judgment and ignite compassion.
• Set healthy boundaries to protect your energy.
• And prioritize your wellbeing by embodying your values.Check it out whenever you need a reminder that you have full permission to be human.
Will you join me in celebrating this milestone memory? Share this email with someone you know who would appreciate it!
Let’s keep giving ourselves and others full permission to be human.
PS
It would be the best celebration ever if you joined the DailySpark! ✨This has been a labor of love that’s helping so many take their power back, and I want to do that with you too. Plus, it’s only $4 to try it out. You ready?
Join Here with coupon code FOUR ?
PPS
So many of you asked about how Randy the Robin was doing after last week’s newsletter. Here’s a quick update on our Instagram page! ?
