Have you ever wondered what it really means to be allowed to do something? The simple word “allowed” has woven itself into our daily lives, guiding what we can and cannot do. But have you ever thought about where this word comes from?

The word “allowed” has its roots in the Latin word allāre, which means “to praise, commend, or approve.” From this ancient origin, it made its way into Old French as allouer, which also carried meanings of praise and approval. Eventually, it entered the English language during the Middle Ages, taking on the meaning we know today: giving someone permission to do something or approving an action.

At its core, “allowed” suggests that an action or behavior is permissible because it has been granted by an authority—whether it’s a person, an institution, or society as a whole. It carries a subtle weight, reminding us that not everything is possible without consent or approval. Being allowed can feel empowering or restrictive, depending on the context. Think about how different it feels to be allowed to take a vacation versus not allowed to speak up in a meeting. Both scenarios highlight how much permission can shape our experiences.

For me, the word allowed is deeply connected to my book, You Are Allowed: A Story of Finding Where You Belong, Not Where You Began. It was originally the title of one of the chapters of my book, and it came from a very personal moment in my life. When I turned 18, my parents told me, “Now you are allowed to look for your birth parents.” That chapter, although eventually deleted from the final manuscript, gave birth to the title of my book.

As I moved forward in my writing journey, I realized that the idea of being “allowed” went beyond external permissions. I learned that I was allowed to write my story, to claim it in its entirety, and live life on my own terms. The word “allowed” became a symbol of empowerment, reminding me that I didn’t need permission from anyone else to live fully and authentically.

But it’s not just external permission we seek. In many ways, we are constantly giving ourselves permission—or withholding it. How often do we allow ourselves to rest, take a break, or chase a dream? Sometimes the hardest person to seek approval from is ourselves.

So, next time you hear or use the word “allowed,” take a moment to reflect. What does it mean in that particular context? And more importantly, what might you allow yourself to do today that could change your life?

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to truly live fully and freely? Perhaps today is the perfect time to grant yourself permission to embrace your own writing journey.