Monday, August 17, 2009

Permission

horse on beach

A year ago, I came up with the idea of teaching acting. I wasn't sure if I could really do it? I had a list of pros and cons on the subject. It finally dawned on me what I really was waiting for.

I was waiting for permission. Permission from who? Bette Davis is going to come in a dream to tell me it was fine; or, I run into Cicely Tyson on 5th ave and she comes up to me and says "Now is the time, Shell."

No. The permission had to come from me. Yes, I know it is a no brainer. Once I gave myself permission to actually do it, I was off and running. I began to wonder how many other people are waiting for permission to do certain things in their lives.

Now, I want you to look at yourself in the mirror. Repeat after me: I (insert your name here) give myself permission to (insert whatever this is.) You may have to do this a couple of times before you feel good about declaring this.

Now, comes the next half. This week actually do what your gave yourself permission for. It could be a baby step toward it. Just do something to make it begin to become real for you.

Oh, if you get flack for this. Someone says who told you could do this!!? (There are always people who have all mouth yet do nothing in their lives!) Tell them you did!! Then walk away proudly. Or even better give them a dramatic Bette Davis exit or a proud Cicely Tyson walking away.

Let me know how it goes.

Shellsigna

11 comments:

♥ Cara Mia ♥ said...

this is such a great post shell! i actually have been taking little steps lately toward things i want to do. not always easy.

you are such a wonderful motivator!
cm

Caroline said...

Oh my! Yes...you are so right about this. Giving yourself permission. I have not done that...but I will. I will let you know how it goes!

GlorV1 said...

I will think of what I want to do and then take the steps to do it. Thanks for the inspiration.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

LOL u certainly know how to inspire and also have never experienced the word 'no' or 'i can't'...

Dreaming Woods said...

You are inspiring Shell!

Few days ago a thought came to my mind, that i would love to be an mixed-media art teacher. In US this would work quite easily i guess, since there is so many art happenings and fest's. But in Finland it is a another thing. I should still try to make this happen somehow, someday.

Delila

Tracy said...

Permission...oh, yes! Sometimes that is the one thing that is so hard to give ourselves, isn't it? But we can treat it like a gift, and be courage to allow ourselves to do our heart's wish. Brilliantly written and felt today, Shell. Last week I gave myself permission to say "enough" to a matter at hand that's been biting me....and I feel so much better--LOL! Now the baby steps begin... :o)

Laurie said...

This is so inspiring Shell!
I can't wait to hear more about your teaching ~ I bet you will be wonderful!

SE'LAH... said...

great post Shell.

I give myself permission to follow my dreams.

Sarah said...

That is really insightful. I am going to give myself permission to do nothing for a day-kind of what I have written about tonight but you have made me see it differently-thanks!

Deborah said...

Thank you for reminding us all about self affirmation Shell. I find it so hard to have confidence in myself and just do things. Its time to talk myself out of the rut I am in. Thank you for the constant encouraging words.
I think you will make a great acting teacher.

Maithri said...

LOve this Shell,

Permission to be free! To live our dreams! To be all that we can be!

Love to you, M

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