Why do I feel like I'm always waiting for permission to live my life?

Feeling like you're always waiting for permission to live your life often stems from people pleaser tendencies and a deep-seated belief that others' approval is necessary before you can make decisions or pursue what you want. This pattern typically develops in childhood when your autonomy was restricted or when love and approval felt conditional on getting permission or meeting others' expectations. You might have learned that making independent choices was selfish, risky, or likely to result in criticism or rejection. This can create a pattern where you seek explicit or implicit approval from parents, partners, friends, or even society before feeling comfortable pursuing your goals, expressing your opinions, or making changes in your life. The need for permission can manifest in many ways - waiting for others to validate your career choices, seeking approval before expressing your needs in Interpersonal relationship, or feeling like you need consensus before making personal decisions that only affect you. Sometimes this pattern comes from fear of making mistakes or facing consequences, making external approval feel like protection against poor choices. You might also worry about disappointing others or being seen as selfish if you prioritize your own desires over others' expectations. Low self-building confidence can contribute to this pattern by making you doubt your own judgment and decision-making abilities. You might feel like others know better than you do about what's right for your life, even when they don't have complete information about your circumstances or values. The problem with constantly seeking permission is that it keeps you from developing building confidence in your own decision-making and prevents you from living authentically according to your own values and desires. It can also be frustrating for others who feel pressured to make decisions for you or who want you to take more ownership of your life. The truth is that as an adult, you have the authority to make choices about your own life, even if others disagree with those choices. While it's wise to seek advice and consider others' perspectives, especially when your decisions affect them, you don't need permission to pursue your goals, express your needs, or live according to your values. Practice making small decisions without seeking approval and gradually work up to bigger choices as you build confidence building in your own judgment.