As moms, we often discuss what we allow our children to do. It’s a decision that we make almost hourly. Our kids are often asking us, “Can I do this? Can I do that?” And we have to decide whether to allow it.

But do you ever stop to consider what you allow for yourself?

In making these decisions for our children, you’re often too exhausted, overwhelmed, uncomfortable and ashamed to allow these things for yourself:

1. You don’t allow yourself to have fun.
2. You don’t allow yourself to love yourself.
3. You don’t allow yourself to eat dessert.
4. You don’t allow yourself to let loose.
5. You don’t allow yourself to connect.
6. You don’t allow yourself to disconnect.
7. You don’t allow yourself to show big emotions.
8. You don’t allow yourself to embrace emotion.
9. You don’t allow yourself to take a break.
10. You don’t allow yourself to forgive.
11. You don’t allow yourself to ask for help.
12. You don’t allow yourself to give up some responsibility.
13. You don’t allow yourself to give in.
14. You don’t allow yourself to step into your power.
15. You don’t allow yourself to stand up for yourself.
16. You don’t allow yourself to rest.
17. You don’t allow yourself to laugh.
18. You don’t allow yourself to cry.
19. You don’t allow yourself to feel weak.
20. You don’t allow yourself to feel strong.
21. You don’t allow yourself to escape.
22. You don’t allow yourself to immerse yourself fully.
23. You don’t allow yourself silliness.
24. You don’t allow yourself to play.
25. You don’t allow yourself to explore.
26. You don’t allow yourself to adventure.
27. You don’t allow yourself to feel secure.
28. You don’t allow yourself to shed the guilt.
29. You don’t allow yourself to feel the guilt.
30. You don’t allow yourself that extra glass of wine.
31. You don’t allow yourself to break down.
32. You don’t allow yourself to explode.
33. You don’t allow yourself to be ok with the fact that we don’t always know what we’re doing.
34. You don’t allow yourself to feel uncomfortable.
35. You don’t allow yourself to accept change.
36. You don’t allow yourself to be satisfied with what you have.
37. You don’t allow yourself to be grateful.
38. You don’t allow yourself to be resentful.
39. You don’t allow yourself to imagine.
40. You don’t allow yourself to create.
41. You don’t allow yourself to fantasize.
42. You don’t allow yourself to dream.
43. You don’t allow yourself to splurge.
44. You don’t allow yourself to pamper yourself.
45. You don’t allow yourself to take.
46. You don’t allow yourself bliss.
47. You don’t allow yourself to lose control.
48. You don’t allow yourself to miss a spot.
49. You don’t allow yourself to do the bare minimum.
50. You don’t allow yourself to go whole hog.
51. You don’t allow yourself to look at the bright side.
52. You don’t allow yourself to experience the dark side.
53. You don’t allow yourself to be kind to yourself.
54. You don’t allow yourself to make mistakes without judgment.
55. You don’t allow yourself to recharge.
56. You don’t allow yourself to breathe.
57. You don’t allow yourself to say no.
58. You don’t allow yourself to see the beauty in the every day.
59. You don’t allow yourself to surrender.
60. You don’t allow yourself space.
61. You don’t allow yourself the chance to truly live.

Do you see how you’re keeping yourself locked up?

It’s scary to move into a world where so many of the things that you don’t allow yourself to do contradict each other. That’s confusing and scary. No wonder you’re feeling stuck! Who would want to go out into that pinball machine of overwhelm?

Think about this: What would your life look like if you just allowed yourself to move down the list and give yourself permission to do each of these things one by one?

If that doesn’t resonate with you, consider this: Would you ever tell your child that he or she is not allowed to do any of these things? Then why do you restrict yourself?