25. Why You Should Write Yourself a Permission Slip for Upcoming Holidays

Ever feel like you need permission to set boundaries, take up space, or just be yourself in tough situations? In this episode, we’re diving into one of Brené Brown’s most genius ideas—permission slips. No, not the kind you signed for field trips, but the ones you write for yourself to navigate emotionally vulnerable moments.

From work meetings to holiday gatherings, permission slips are a powerful tool for claiming your agency and setting your own rules. Join us as we explore how writing these simple notes can help you manage expectations, reduce stress, and show up as your best self—especially during the holiday season.

Highlights from the episode:

[00:00:53] - Tradition Spotlight on personal whimsy

[00:07:31] - What Are Permission Slips

[00:09:38] - Permission Slips You Might Want

[00:14:57] - Writing Your Own Permission Slips

[00:18:00] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for Grocery Lists

[00:20:06] - What’s on our to-do lists this week

[00:21:41] - Our Nice Lists

What’s Next:

Take a moment today to write a few permission slips for yourself. Need help getting started? Try these prompts:

👉 I give myself permission to feel…

👉 I give myself permission to do…

👉 I give myself permission to not…

Whatever it is, write it down. Make it real. And most importantly, give yourself permission to embrace the life you want. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Brene Brown talks about permission slips
• A Jane Austen Year podcast
• Cheese grater
• Grab The Holiday Headstart Playbook
• Take the Holiday Profile quiz
• Follow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart 
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love these too:

• Episode 4: How to craft your holiday values for a more meaningful Christmas season
• Episode 24: How to decide if your holiday traditions still work for you

More About The Holiday Headstart:

Welcome to The Holiday Headstart podcast, where we get intentional about kicking overwhelm to the curb and bringing joy back to your holidays (and every day). We’re Heidi and Emily, two sisters and former elementary school teachers, who’ve taken the simple strategies and practical tips we mastered in the classroom and put them to work in our personal lives. 

And we’re here to help you do the same! Join us each week as we share how, with a little planning and a little prep, you can ensure that the days that make life special don’t become the days that make you stressed.