Because thoughts are automatic, we can’t do a lot to curb those. But we can influence the stories we tell ourselves about our thoughts, and especially the meaning we assign to those stories. – Rachel Luna
Let’s start with being very clear – Rachel Luna’s book, Permission to Offend is not just a self-help book about taking control or, worse yet, about becoming obnoxiously outgoing. This is so much more.
Luna bares her life for the reader and shares about the challenges of losing both parents, fighting cancer, and serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. While it is easy to say that we get stronger with the challenges we face, but the reality is that sometimes we actually lose ourselves in those situations. Luna experienced that as she began to filter her thoughts, actions, and behaviors to meet the expectations of others. She describes how each of us wrestles with three questions: What will they think? What will they do? What will they tell others?
Readers will share in Luna’s experiences while reflecting on the situations that have led each of us to the points in our lives where we struggle to remain true to ourselves. This is not so much a deception as it is a protection – none of us want to experience hurt and rejection. Yet, if we heed Luna’s advice we may well embrace the four permissions slips upon which the rest of the book is based:
- I give myself permission to live in truth.
- I give myself permission to live in faith.
- I give myself permission to live in freedom.
- I give myself permission to live in abundance.
Luna’s refreshing honesty is combined with faith and belief to provide readers with practical tools and tips for living in the freedom that we all want.
Permission to Offend is about doing the work to get very clear on your identity – who you are, what you stand for, and why you’re here. – Rachel Luna