Permission to "Don't"

We spend a lot of time doing what we don’t want to do and not enough time doing what we do want to do. Use this as permission to change that.

I know I’ve been filling your inbox a lot lately.

Honestly, it feels a little unfair, considering May is already overwhelming enough. Between end-of-school chaos, graduation parties, and figuring out how to make your pale legs look good in those shorts, who needs another thing to do?

So, even though we’re mid-3-Day Summer Reset, I’m hitting pause to give you permission to “don’t.”

• You don’t have to read these emails.

• You don’t have to do another challenge.

• You don’t even have to walk this summer.

Let’s face it: we get so wrapped up in the things we think we should be doing that we don’t even know if we want to do them. No one gives you the out. So, let me be the one to give you that out.

The thing is, you won’t do something just because you’re told you should. And yet, we waste so much energy on things we feel obligated to do, leaving no room for the stuff we actually want.

This is why I’m giving you permission to “don’t.”

• You don’t have to set a summer bucket list.

• You don’t have to sign your kids up for all of the camps.

• You don’t have to pretend everything is fine when you just need a break.

• You don’t have to do all of the things.

But—and this is important—giving yourself permission to “don’t” doesn’t mean doing nothing. This is where we often go sideways.

We pour energy into things that don’t serve us—scrolling, stressing, spiraling—until we’re too depleted to engage with what could actually bring us joy, health, or peace. It’s a cycle, and I know it well.

We spend a lot of time doing what we don’t want to do and not doing what we do.

Yesterday, I spiraled hard into a “what-if” scenario. Anxiety crept in, and I spent hours researching, trying to solve a problem that didn’t even exist. By the time I realized what was happening, I felt so drained that the idea of going for a walk seemed impossible.

But then it hit me: I had misplaced my “don’t.”

It wasn’t the walk I didn’t want, but the anxiety. What I needed to say was, “You don’t need to spiral.” Once I gave myself permission to step out of that unhelpful space, I found the energy to do something that actually felt good.

That’s the point I want to share with you.

Permission to “don’t” creates space for doing.

You don’t have to do it all. Instead of spending all of your energy on what you “don’t” really want, what would it look like to focus on what you do want this summer?

That’s what the Summer Walking Club is all about: finding a rhythm that works for you. No pressure, no guilt—just steps, smiles, and maybe even a few prizes (because who doesn’t love swag?).

So, if walking this summer feels like something you want, join us. Registration is open, and we’ve got accountability, community, and maybe a prize for your favorite playlist (kidding… or am I?).

But if walking isn’t what you need right now? That’s okay, too. Take this as your permission to “don’t” without guilt.

Either way, remember this: the clearer you are about what you don’t want to do, the easier it becomes to focus on what you do want—and that’s where life gets good.

Here’s to a summer of “don’t-ing” the right things so you can do the ones that matter.

Take time today to think about:

• What don’t you want?

• What do you want?

If your health is on the “do” list, consider joining The Summer Walking Club!

Tomorrow I’ll be back with the final lesson in the 3-day reset!

Your friend,