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 Awaits03:05 Meet the Hosts03:57 Waiting for Kids06:00 Waiting for Money07:04 Waiting for Validation09:36 Fear and Avoidance12:35 Joy Must Be Earned14:28 Confidence After Action17:14 Midlife Wake Up Call19:40 Stop Waiting Start Small22:21 Three Practical Tools25:47 Permission Is Yours26:58 Final Question and GoodbyeIf you enjoyed this episode, connect with your hosts, Kristen or Jen, you can find us at the links below!Email us at:  [email protected] more about Kristen here: Instagram : enlighten_servicesWebsite : www.kristenburrus.comFacebook : enlighten_services Learn more about Jen here: Website : https://www.thankfulheartscoaching.com/Facebook : @thankfulheartscoaching Instagram : @[email protected]