Episode 40: My Birthday Gift to You: The Permission You've Been Waiting For

Written By Anne LaFollette

Want to know something embarrassing? When I was twelve, I was so frustrated about having a December 30th birthday – convinced everyone was just re-gifting Christmas presents – that I demanded to celebrate on my Saint's Day in July instead. I've carried shame and embarrassment about that demanding little girl for years. But here's what I realized as I celebrate my 68th birthday today: She wasn't selfish. She just wanted to feel special. She wanted her own moment. In this week’s episode, I’m gifting you some permission slips you probably need… Permission to forgive your younger you. Permission to start now. Permission to want what you want.

🔑 In This Episode You’ll Learn:

  • Why the shame and embarrassment we carry about our younger selves (wanting "too much," starting "too late") is actually evidence of someone who knew their worth and deserves forgiveness

  • The permission slips every creative needs for 2026: to take up space, to start at any age, to be imperfect, and to believe your voice matters even when you struggle with impostor syndrome

  • How late December birthdays – and all "in-between" moments – are actually perfect for creatives because creativity itself lives in the space between dreaming and doing

When You’re Ready, Here Are Three Ways to Work With Me:

  • Get started for just $10 with the From Doodles to Dollars® Workbook.

  • Expand your surface pattern design skills in The Pattern Design Academy Self Study Program. Click HERE and get $500 off at checkout.

  • Ready to expand your business online? Explore The Creative Business Mastermind where you’ll learn my proven framework for building a successful and wildly profitable creative business online. By application only. Spot are limited. Click HERE for details and to apply.

Let’s Connect!

More Resources For You!

Get started for just $10! Grab this downloadable, step by step workbook HERE and create your very first repeating pattern.

Do you prefer to learn at your own pace? Grab The Pattern Design Academy Self Study Program. Last chance to get $500 off at checkout. Click HERE for details.

This mastermind program is limited to 20 students and is by application only. Click HERE for details and apply today.

Grab the free phone wallpaper version here.

Anne LaFollette

Entertaining Beautifully offers styling, staging and home decor services in the California Bay Area.  Our styling and home decor approach is simple, elegant, modern and timeless with a focus on table settings, flowers and the overall ambience of events, gatherings and parties from 2-25 people.

https://annelafollette.wordpress.com/
Next

Episode 39: A Holiday Reflection on Peace, Possibility, and Pantone's Color of The Year