Permission to Live Authentically

It’s tempting to say that my life is heading in a new direction – but the reality is that I am simply up-leveling right now. My life has always been heading in this direction. I have recently discovered a new term that I am ready to embrace: permissionary. I have always been about holding space for myself and others to be our authentic selves, living our dream lives. I value unconditional love – and creating space for people to be unapologetically themselves, as long as they are not harming others or doing anything non-consensual. I’ve been an ambassador of love, offering people permission to be their full, authentic, loving, human selves all of my adult life. That has been reflected in my writing, as well in all of my careers, from massage therapist/health food store owner to coach/teacher to office manager/social media manager. I am committed to helping people feel supported in living better, happier, more fulfilled lives. 

Areas of focus that have attracted me over the years include: body image, self-love, self-esteem, alternative health, massage therapy, myofascial release, body liberation, nudism, sexuality, BDSM, tantra, polyamory, Reiki, energy healing, releasing shame, embracing awkward, communication, emotional intelligence, higher self connection, holding ourselves sacred, and more. All of these have been weaving throughout my life for decades, creating a tapestry that I am ready to offer at the next level of service. What does that mean? Allow me to tell you about the services that I am now offering – and what my motivation is – why I feel they are needed in the world. 

When I was in my early 20’s, I belonged to a tennis club whose owner would go over periodically to a nudist resort nearby and officiate tennis tournaments there. I was so intrigued. I would have loved to have gone to a nudist resort! But I was self-conscious about my weight at that time – and thought that I didn’t have a “good enough” body to go to a place like that. Clearly, I had absolutely no idea what a place like that is actually like! 

In my 40’s, I finally went to that nudist resort – and discovered that it was absolutely not what I’d expected at all! I fit right in – as does everyone! There are people of every age, size, shape, color, background – that’s where I finally truly, bone-deep understood that all bodies are good bodies. I lamented the many years that I had wasted not enjoying swimming nude, feeling the breeze against my naked body, and enjoying the simplicity of being in a naked human body with other people – with no shame or embarrassment. Just being human – and finally being truly comfortable in my own skin! 

I have found nudism to be such an amazing, healing force. I’ve introduced many of my friends to nudism. Some have taken to it like a duck to water and some have found that it’s not really their thing, but they were glad to have tried it. Sometimes you try things just to know what you like or don’t like. It’s all good. I’ve written a number of blog posts about nudism. You can find some of them here and here. 

I’ve taken all of the levels of the Love, Sexuality, and Intimacy workshops produced by HAI (the Human Awareness Institute, www.hai.org ) – and serve on team with this amazing organization. I’ve been a massage therapist since 1996, and have specialized in myofascial release, which in addition to other things, helps to move stuck emotions/trauma out of the body. I attended the Midwest Academy of Healing Arts – a 3 year long program in energy healing. I’ve gone through Shamanic De-Armoring. I’ve explored various forms of relationship/s, including dabbling in BDSM. I’ve studied Brene Brown’s Shame Resilience curriculum. And that’s just a brief overview of my life and experiences.

All of which is to say: I know how to create safe space for people. I am uniquely qualified in many ways to walk people through fear, shame, and awkwardness into the types of experiences that they would like to have (in some cases, long to have – and I fully understand that longing!). I am a champion of feeling safe and at home in your body – no matter what your body looks like or what abilities your body has or doesn’t have. I am not judgmental about different lifestyle choices – as long as nobody is harmed and all is consensual. I also understand nuance and complexity – and when it doesn’t feel safe to be honest about who you are and what you want, need, and do. Sometimes people just need to feel like they are in a safe space, like they are seen, like they can be themselves. I like to provide that space for people whenever I can. 

It occurred to me recently that if I’d had someone to support me, I could have gone to that nudist resort in my 20’s, rather than missing out on over 20 years of wonderful experiences! I wish I’d started singing karaoke sooner. And that I’d danced more when I was younger, rather than feeling embarrassed and letting that stop me. I wish I’d learned sooner how to allow myself to let go and really have fun. It took decades of inner work and experience to finally allow myself to just be me. I’d like to help other people get to that place more quickly than I was able to do on my own. 

That’s why I’m offering my new services as a permissionary. What do you want to do? It’s possible that you could hire me to go with you, ease you into things, hold space for you while you explore. You want to try nudism? I’m totally there. I’ll spend half a day or a day with you (your choice) at any of the Florida clubs in the Land O’ Lakes or Kissimmee areas, showing you the ropes, helping you process any feelings, answer any questions. You want to jump out of a plane? I am not your person. So, if there are things you’d like to do – but want support while doing them, contact me and let’s see what we can work out. I would love nothing more than to help you live the life of your dreams from a place of unconditional self-love. That’s my dream for all of us. So … what are your dreams? Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? What do you want to experience? What are the things that you feel like you can’t discuss with the people in your life about who you really are? What’s holding you back? Let’s talk.