Remember those slips of paper in school that let you step out of class without question? Sometimes, as adults, we still need that same kind of permission — to pause, to disengage, to take a breath.

This short reflection invites you to give yourself a hall pass. Not because something’s wrong. Not because you need an excuse. Just because your capacity is low, your well-being matters.

You’re allowed to step out of the noise, even if just for today. No questions asked.

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Hey, this is. It's okay if bite sized permission slips. I'm Matt Gilhooly and today's permission. It's okay if you give yourself a hall pass today.

Remember those in school, the little slips of paper that let you step out of class for a minute, go to the bathroom, take a break, breathe. Usually, no questions asked, no explanations needed. I think we still need those as adults. A hall pass to take a nap in the middle of the day.

To skip a meeting that could have been an email. To not be productive, to not engage, to not strive. I've had days where I woke up and just did not have it in me.

No reason, no big life crisis, just low capacity. And instead of fighting it, instead of forcing myself through the motions, I've learned to give myself a hall pass to say, today I'm stepping out.

Not forever, just for now. So if you're feeling that today, the need to step out of the noise, to take a breath, to pause, that's okay.

You do not need a permission slip from anyone else. You can give yourself that hall pass. Let's say this together. I give myself permission to step out today to take a hall pass for my own well being.

No questions asked. That's your permission slip, friend. Tuck it in your pocket and I'll see you next time.