Stop Waiting for Permission to Change
She wasn’t always successful. For years, Ava was not given the opportunity to direct the kind of movies she was interested in and few people knew about her work. She decided that if she wanted to direct the type of movies she was passionate about, she had to focus, make sacrifices, and create the content herself.
Ava came from an impoverished neighborhood. She felt there were stories that needed to be told about people who were ignored by the culture. She used this perspective to bring a lens to those marginalized or forgotten by society. To tell these stories, she chose to take a leap of faith. And it paid off.
Ava’s own story is inspirational. If you are struggling with who you are, who you want to become, and where you ultimately want to be in your life, Ava’s success can provide the needed motivation to move ahead and follow your own passion.
The New Year is a perfect time to make this choice. 2015 is quickly coming to a close. Every second, minute, hour, and day gives us a chance to stop waiting for permission. As we approach the end of the year, we can take the opportunity to pause and reflect. And as we move forward into 2016, we can make the decision to reset, regroup, and start anew.
Why wait for a sign from somewhere else to tell you if you are on the right track to becoming the person you want to become? In order to make changes, you will need to take risks. Starting on a journey where you are unable to see a clear path ahead can be scary. But don’t wait for others’ recognition or acceptance before you walk toward what you want. And don’t wait for others’ permission to leave behind what you no longer want.
You Already Have Permission
You do not need to wait for anyone else’s permission to move things forward in your life.
Here is YOUR SIGN. Here is your ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. Here is your RECOGNITION and ENCOURAGEMENT.
If you are hesitant about your journey ahead, or if you are worried about how you can be authentic with who you are, remind yourself of the following things:
1.) You know who you are better than anyone else.
2.) You know what you have been through, achieved, and overcome to get to the place you are right now.
3.) You can rely on your gut feelings or intuition because you are in sync with your emotions.
So stop waiting! Start moving in the direction you want to take…right now! This is your life, your one opportunity, your chance to make things happen for you.
Where Do You Start?
Do you want a better career? Go for it. You can start getting the skills and the experience you will need. You can begin building the network which will move you in the direction you wish to go in.
Are you in a relationship with someone who abuses your trust? Or who plays on your emotions as well as your kindness? You don’t need permission to move on and out of this relationship. Just go.
Want to start a business? Stop waiting for others to co-sign your dream. You don’t need anyone else to tell you that you are making the right decision. You are the pilot of where you want to go in life. Trust in yourself and do it.
Need to go back to school? Lose weight? Stop drinking? Make other significant life changes? Why not do it NOW? Give yourself permission and move ahead. The first step is the hardest. But like Ava DuVernay, if you take the risks and follow your passion on the journey that is your life, you too can make your dreams come true.
Share Your Experience
Did you take the initiative to make a significant change in your life? How did this help you grow as a person? Did it make you stronger? Your experience may help someone else who is struggling. Share your experience here.
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