Permission Slips & My Powerhouse vs. Potato Theory

This week, I did something I’ve never done before - I wrote myself permission slips. Not metaphorical ones. Actual printed-out, signed permission slips that I stuck on my bathroom mirror.

One was overdue.
One felt a little rebellious.
And one? It was exactly what I needed.

And then, something unexpected happened. My “Powerhouse vs. Potato” theory was put to the test.

Why I Wrote Myself Permission Slips

Somewhere along the way, we stop giving ourselves permission to do things just because we want to. Kids don’t ask themselves if they ‘deserve’ a break. They just take one. But as adults, we tie ourselves up with nonsensical rules about productivity, guilt, and proving our worth. Oh, and let’s not forget the real kicker – other people’s opinions about us.

So, I wrote three permission slips:
1. Permission to slow down – Because busy doesn’t equal better.
2. Permission to do something just for fun  – No purpose, no end goal, just joy.
3. Permission to say no – Without explanation, without guilt.

Enter: My Powerhouse vs. Potato Theory

Here’s how I see it: some days, I’m a freaking powerhouse. I’m on fire, ticking things off my to-do list, making things happen. And other days, I’m a squishy potato. I want to do nothing. Just rest, scroll mindlessly, read, nap, cuddle my dogs. Simply exist.

The problem? I used to feel guilty about my Potato days. But here’s the golden insight: Powerhouse Lisa needs Potato Lisa to function.

We can’t be in go-mode all the time. Rest isn’t laziness. It’s fuel. Read that again. And again.

The Power of Joy for No Reason

One of my permission slips was to do something just for joy. So, I signed up for drumming lessons (yes, really) and bought myself a basic kit. I have no goal of being in a band. The only goal is pure, ridiculous fun.

And do you know what happened? My energy shifted. I felt lighter. More creative. More me. Because when we let joy in, everything else flows better.

Your Turn: Write Your Own Permission Slips

What’s something you need to give yourself permission to do? Rest? Say no? Play?

Here’s your action step: Write yourself a permission slip. Actually write it down. Stick it somewhere you’ll see it. And then? Follow through.

Because life isn’t just about being a Powerhouse. Sometimes, we need to be a Potato too.

Tell me are you more Powerhouse or Potato this week? DM me or tag me in your stories on socials. I’d love to know!