About It’s Okay If… Permission Slips for Mental Health, Self-Acceptance, and Growth
What if you didn’t need to have it all figured out?
It’s Okay If… is your weekly permission slip to be human.
I created this short-form podcast as part of my own healing process — a way to slow down, process grief, and reconnect with what I was feeling.
Each bite-sized episode (just 3 minutes or less) offers a short, honest reflection to challenge perfectionism, embrace your real self, and remind you that you're not alone.
Hosted by Matt Gilhooly, creator of The Life Shift Podcast, this show delivers midday nudges of self-acceptance, insight, and calm – whether you're walking the dog, stuck in traffic, or just need a breath.
No fluff. No fixing. Just a moment of truth.
New episodes every Wednesday at noon. Follow wherever you get your podcasts.
It's okay if you feel guilty for wanting more. In this episode, we dive deep into the conflict many of us face when our aspirations push against feelings of gratitude for what we currently have. I share my own journey of grappling with the desire for something different and more meaningful, even when I was in what most would consider a good job. The truth is, wanting more doesn't make us ungrateful; it simply reflects our humanity and our growth. We can appreciate our current situation while still yearning for what’s next, and it's perfectly fine to give ourselves permission to want more without guilt or apology. So, if you’re feeling that pull today, remember: it's okay to embrace that desire and honor your journey of becoming.
Takeaways:
It's completely normal to feel guilty for wanting more in life and growth.
Desiring more doesn't mean you're ungrateful; it simply reflects your humanity and aspirations.
You can appreciate your current situation while still yearning for future opportunities.
Holding gratitude and desire simultaneously is possible; they can coexist without conflict.
Wanting more is an act of honoring your personal growth and ongoing journey.
It's important to give yourself permission to want more without feeling guilty or selfish.
20 May 2026
Permission to Take Up Space: Embrace Your Voice
It's okay if you're still learning to take up space, and that's the heart of today's conversation. I want to share my journey of moving from a place where I felt the need to stay small to one where I've embraced the value of my voice and presence. For a long time, I believed that not taking up too much air was the right way to go, but I've realized that staying small comes at a cost—it quiets our ideas and diminishes our worth. Through my experience hosting the Life Shift podcast, I've learned that taking up space is not just about being loud; it's about being authentic and allowing ourselves to be heard. So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more but are held back, let this episode be a gentle reminder that your voice matters and you have permission to take up space.
Takeaways:
It's completely okay to still be learning how to take up space in life.
Staying small can have a significant cost, affecting how we value our ideas.
Podcasting helped me learn to hold space for myself and embrace my own voice.
Taking up space is a practice we can build into our everyday lives and routines.
Everyone should remind themselves that their voice and presence truly matter in any situation.
Giving yourself permission to take up space can transform how you engage with others.
13 May 2026
Embrace the Mess: Permission to Practice Presence
It's totally okay if you're struggling with being present; in fact, that's the main point we're diving into today. Practicing presence can be a messy journey. Our minds often jump to what’s next on our to-do lists or replay moments from the past, making it tough to stay focused on the here and now. I’ve been there too, wanting to stay engaged but finding my mind wandering. The key takeaway? Being present is not about perfection; it's about the gentle act of returning to the moment, and it’s perfectly fine if it feels messy along the way. So, let’s give ourselves permission to embrace this practice together, no judgment attached.
Takeaways:
Being present is a challenging practice that requires patience and understanding.
It's completely normal to find your mind wandering to the past or future during moments.
Embracing the messiness of practicing presence is part of the journey toward mindfulness.
Remember that presence isn't about perfection; it's about consistently returning to the moment.
Acknowledging when you’re not present is a vital step in the practice of mindfulness.
Allowing yourself to be imperfect while practicing presence is essential for personal growth.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
130,632
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 66 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
86
Social presence
0
YouTube
82
Engagement
32
Contact It’s Okay If… Permission Slips for Mental Health, Self-Acceptance, and Growth
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