Updated: Dec 15, 2024
🎙️ full episode
Season Two of To Live List is back, and this week’s guest is the kind of person who makes you pause and think, How does she do all of that?
Leah Nagely Robbins is a writer, musician, civil engineer, and proud “mom nerd.” She’s been shaping public transportation systems for over a decade, but what really stands out is how she’s shaping her own life—anchored in creativity, connection, and dreaming big.
This episode is for anyone who’s felt stuck, doubted their path, or just needed a reminder to say their dreams out loud—even the scary ones. Leah and I cover everything from parenting ourselves to finding freedom in letting go of control. And trust me, there’s plenty of laughter and “aha” moments along the way.
Why You’ll Want to Tune In
Letting Go of Control:Leah talks about that lightbulb moment when she realized her job as a parent isn’t to control her daughter’s life—it’s to guide her. This conversation goes deep into what it means to let go, and spoiler: it applies to way more than just parenting.
Soul Restoration: What’s your “thing” that fills you up? For Leah, it’s making music with her band. We talk about why doing what lights you up isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
Parenting Ourselves: Even if you don’t have kids, this one’s for you. We dive into self-parenting—the art of showing up for yourself, shutting down that negative inner voice, and giving yourself the care you deserve.
Say It Aloud: Leah opens up about confronting the voice in her head that whispers, What do I have to say? She shares how she’s learning to trust her dreams, like building “The Nest,” a creative community for aging, connection, and all-around inspiration.
What to Listen For
How letting go of control can make life way more joyful
Why following your passions can be the most productive thing you do
A reminder that your dreams are valid—yes, even the big, scary ones
This episode is like sitting down with a good friend for a deep, funny, and honest chat. Whether you’re trying to figure out your next move, chasing a creative dream, or just need a little push to trust yourself, Leah’s story will hit home.
Tune in now and let us know what resonates. And hey, if you love the episode, leave a review. It helps more people find these conversations.
Available:
Updated: Dec 15, 2024
by Delia Grenville
Tune In: Embracing Permission Fluidity and Self-Care
In this episode of To Live List, I explore a topic that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant: the idea of permission. As I recorded this episode, I found myself unexpectedly nervous— that's rare for me when podcasting. Rather than push the nerves aside, I embraced them as part of the experience, granting myself the permission to feel what I was feeling. And that became a fitting segue into the heart of this episode's discussion: how we give ourselves permission to live fully.
Permission: More Than a Buzzword
When we think about the word “permission,” it often feels tied to external forces—parents, teachers, employers, or society. Many of us grow up with permission being “outsourced,” a structure managed by others to shape our decisions and behaviors. As adults, though, the responsibility shifts to us, yet we don’t always recognize it. Are we granting ourselves the freedom to live in alignment with our desires, needs, and values?
Keke Palmer on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Nov 18th, 2024
Permission Lists: A Starting Point
While reflecting on this topic, I stumbled across lists online—collections of affirmations that remind us of what we’re allowed to do. Here’s a small sample:
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to change your mind.
You are allowed to take up space.
You are allowed to prioritize yourself.
You are allowed to say no.
It struck me how often we deny ourselves these basic freedoms, even though they’re essential for living a full life.
Permission Fluidity: A New Perspective
As I unpacked the concept further, a new term came to mind: permission fluidity. This idea acknowledges that the boundaries of permission aren’t static—they ebb and flow depending on circumstances, relationships, and our internal compass. Being permission-fluid means recognizing when to lean into your autonomy and when to honor the needs and boundaries of others.
For example:
Are you giving yourself the permission to rest without guilt?
Are you allowing those around you to make decisions for their happiness, even if it impacts you?
Living fully requires balancing these dynamics—giving and receiving permission with care and mutual respect.
Why Permission Matters Post-Pandemic
The pandemic reshaped our lives in countless ways. For many, it brought unrelenting pressures and a loss of control. As we navigate life after such a seismic shift, it’s crucial to reassess how we treat ourselves and others. Are we still stuck in survival mode, or can we now embrace the opportunity to reset and live more intentionally?
A Call to Action: Create Your Own Permission List
In the spirit of the To Live List, I encourage you to explore your own “permission list.” Think of this as a living document—a set of affirmations that you can revisit and revise as needed. Here are some prompts to get started:
What have you been denying yourself that you’re ready to allow?
How can you practice permission fluidity in your daily life?
What small steps can you take to prioritize self-care?
To Live List, Season 2, Episode 1 intro
A Period of Opportunity
As we look toward the future, I encourage you to see this as a period of opportunity. Grant yourself the permission to pause, reflect, and take intentional steps toward living your best life. Remember: self-care isn’t selfish, and growth often begins with small, deliberate choices.
Listen and Share
If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to share this episode with someone who might need it. You can find To Live List on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at tolivelist.com. Let’s spread the word about embracing permission fluidity and creating lives filled with joy, love, and laughter.
Until next time, take care of yourself—and give yourself permission to truly live.
Introduction:
Language has a fascinating way of evolving over time, with words taking on new meanings and nuances. The word “bully” is a prime example of this evolution. From a term of endearment to a symbol of intimidation, the history of “bully” is a journey through the changing tides of language and culture.
The Origin of “Bully”:
The word “bully” can be traced back to the Dutch word “boel,” which originally meant “lover” or “brother.” In the 16th and 17th centuries, “bully” was used in English to describe a sweetheart or a close companion. It was a term of affection, a far cry from its current connotation.
A Timeline of “Bully”:
16th-17th Century: A Term of Endearment
“Bully” is used to refer to a fine fellow or a good friend.
Example: “He’s a jolly good bully, that one.”
18th Century: Shifting to Bravado
The word starts to describe those who exhibit swagger, bravado, or boastful behavior.
Example: “He’s quite the bully with his confident demeanor.”
19th Century: The Negative Connotation
“Bully” begins to take on a darker meaning, representing someone who uses strength or influence to intimidate or harm others.
Example: “Watch out for that bully; he’s causing trouble in the pub.”
20th Century: Schoolyard and Workplace Bullying
“Bully” is associated with those who engage in schoolyard bullying and workplace harassment.
Example: “Bullying in schools is a serious issue; we must address it.”
21st Century: The Era of Cyberbullying
“Bully” becomes linked with online harassment and cyberbullying.
Example: “Online bullies can be as harmful as physical bullies, causing emotional distress.”
Slang Usage of “Bully” Throughout History:
British slang has often embraced the word “bully” in various contexts.
“Bully pulpit” is a term referring to a position that provides one with the opportunity to speak out and be heard, often in a commanding or influential way.
Conclusion:
The journey of the word “bully” is a testament to the malleability of language. From its Dutch origins as a term of endearment to its evolution into a symbol of intimidation, the history of “bully” reflects shifts in culture, societal attitudes, and the complex nature of language itself. As with many words, understanding its history reminds us of the power of language to convey evolving meanings and reflect our changing world.
Some additional sources: