What Permission Are You Waiting For

Jen Anderson and Kristen Burrus explore why so many smart, capable women keep waiting for “the right time” to pursue what they want—after the kids are older, finances are perfect, work calms down, or someone finally understands. They argue that these conditions are rarely fully met and that waiting often masks fear and avoidance, reinforced by beliefs that joy must be earned and that women’s desires are less legitimate than others’ needs. They explain that confidence comes after action, not before, and frame midlife dissatisfaction as a normal invitation to reevaluate who you’re becoming. The episode emphasizes reclaiming self-authorization through small, consistent steps, tolerating disappointment, and using three tools: a permission-writing prompt, naming what you’re waiting for, and one real act of self-authorization this week. 00:00 What Permission Awaits 03:05 Meet the Hosts 03:57 Waiting for Kids 06:00 Waiting for Money 07:04 Waiting for Validation 09:36 Fear and Avoidance 12:35 Joy Must Be Earned 14:28 Confidence After Action 17:14 Midlife Wake Up Call 19:40 Stop Waiting Start Small 22:21 Three Practical Tools 25:47 Permission Is Yours 26:58 Final Question and Goodbye If you enjoyed this episode, connect with your hosts, Kristen or Jen, you can find us at the links below! Email us at: [email protected] Learn more about Kristen here: Instagram : enlighten_services Website : www.kristenburrus.com Facebook : enlighten_services Learn more about Jen here: Website : https://www.thankfulheartscoaching.com/ Facebook : @thankfulheartscoaching Instagram : @the.jennifer.anderson [email protected]