This episode is for every mama who's been waiting for permission to be who you are, to do what you want to do, to dream bigger. Mama, have you been waiting for your kids to get older, for your husband to tell you it's okay, for someone else to validate your desires before you pursue them?

That permission slip might never arrive—until you write it yourself.

In this episode, Jennifer shares the four specific permission slips moms are often waiting for and why giving yourself permission isn't selfish but rather a crucial act of stewarding the life you've been given. Whether you want to start a business, set boundaries with extended family, pursue hobbies, or simply prioritize yourself without guilt, this episode will help you understand that you're allowed to want more—and you don't need anyone else to sign off on your life.

🎧 Listen Now

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/enough-mom-podcast/id1846967110 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CWYwsLjG84ggXwfGSUWoO YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenn_bryant Website: https://jennifer-bryant.com

📖 In This Episode

[00:00] Introduction: The permission slip you've been waiting for [01:45] Looking back 10 years: How the Practical Family blog became the Enough Mom Podcast [03:40] The maternal identity crisis—80% of women lose their sense of self in the first 5 years of motherhood [06:03] What are we actually waiting for? Four specific permission slips mothers seek [08:10] The cultural messaging that keeps us small and why we feel guilty for wanting more [12:15] The research on unfulfilled potential and its impact on maternal mental health [14:30] Permission Slip #1: For the mom who wants to start a business or side project [18:45] Permission Slip #2: For the mom who wants to pursue hobbies and personal interests [23:20] Permission Slip #3: For the mom who wants to invest in herself (physically, mentally, financially) [28:50] Permission Slip #4: For the mom who wants to set boundaries with extended family [31:19] How this connects to our three pillars: courage, confidence, and calling [33:00] Final encouragement: You are allowed—ready, set, go [34:00] Introduction to the Dream Reconnection Journal

🎁 Featured Resources

Dream Reconnection Journal - Ready to reconnect with your dreams and give yourself permission to pursue them? This journal features easy-to-follow prompts that take just 15 minutes each. Use it as a 7-day journey, once-a-week practice, or complete it all in one intentional day.

Available in Three Formats:

• Large Print Journal (8.5x11): https://practicalfamily.shop/products/dream-reconnection-journal

• Small Pocket Journal (5x8): https://practicalfamily.shop/products/dream-reconnection-journal-small

• Digital PDF Version: Coming soon https://practical-family.kit.com/products/dream-reconnection-journal-digital

Each colorful journal page is uniquely designed with space for reflection and growth. Perfect for the mama ready to stop waiting for permission and start pursuing her calling.

The OVER Framework - Are you overwhelmed and need practical help getting unstuck? Download Jennifer's free OVER Framework to help you move from chaos to clarity: https://practical-family.kit.com/015034ee27

💬 Connect with Jennifer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbryant__/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLoganBryant

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@jenniferbryant__

X: https://x.com/JennBryant_hi

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferbryant__

Website: https://jennifer-bryant.com

📬 Subscribe & Share

Love this episode? Subscribe to the Enough Mom Podcast so you never miss an episode! New episodes drop every Tuesday with conversations that help you move from overwhelmed to confident—from comparison to calling. https://practical-family.kit.com/ba00fc36f1

Share this episode if you know another mama who's been waiting for permission to pursue her dreams. Send her this link and let her know: she's allowed.

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👋 About Jennifer Bryant

Jennifer Bryant is the host of the Enough Mom Podcast and an educational leader with 25+ years of experience. As a homeschooling mother of two teenagers, she helps moms break free from comparison culture and step into confident, authentic parenting through her three-pillar framework: courage, confidence, and calling.

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Disclaimer: Jennifer Bryant is not a licensed professional counselor. The content shared on this podcast is based on personal experience and educational research. For professional mental health support, please consult a licensed therapist: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us