Giving Yourself Permission with Chronic Illness

This morning, I did something I don’t often prioritize enough: I took time for me. As I lay on the massage bed, I let myself fully relax, letting the tension release not just from my body, but from my mind. It hit me—how often do we truly give ourselves permission to rest? To pause? To say, “This is what I need, and that’s okay”?

We get so caught up in the hustle, the lists, the endless demands on our time. But what if we flipped the script? What if we stopped asking for permission from the outside world and started granting it to ourselves? You don’t need anyone else’s approval to rest, to take care of yourself, to focus on what matters most to you.

For me, today’s permission looked like stepping away, breathing deeply, and letting someone else help me feel better—whether that’s on a massage table, at the gym, or even in the quiet of your own space. Permission doesn’t have to be elaborate. It just has to be yours.

So I’m here to remind you: Take the time you need. Say yes to what feels good for you. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. Your body, your mind, and your heart will thank you for it.

When was the last time you truly allowed yourself to pause and prioritize your own needs? How would you spend 30 minutes just for you today? Comment below—I’d love to hear from you!