Are You Waiting for Permission?


Are you waiting for permission to follow your dreams?

I definitely was.

I always wanted to be a writer.

Partly because my introverted and highly sensitive self loved the idea of being alone in a cabin, overlooking a vast river, writing quietly with a cup of coffee. *Bliss*

But mostly because I had a love of words and stories. I love to hear people’s stories. I love to share stories. And books have been so transformative on my own journey of healing and self-discovery - finding hope in others' stories when I most needed it.

But for a long time, I was convinced the dream of writing wasn’t possible for this lifetime. I didn’t study literature, I never took a creative writing course, and I wasn’t really 100% sure when to use a semicolon… so I convinced myself "Writer" was a title meant for someone else. Besides, what would I even write about?

But my soul kept calling.

Taking The Leap

So, I decided to just try. I read books about writing books, joined writing communities, listened to webinars, watched YouTube videos, and took courses on how to write a book. I made an outline. I threw that outline out - because what even was that? I made a new outline. I started writing little pieces of my own journey. And with every step toward my goal, I figured out the next step.

It wasn’t easy, and there were major setbacks. At one point, I scrapped a year’s worth of writing to start over in a new direction. I almost threw in the towel, but after a mini-break to collect myself, I kept trying.

And now, at the end of this month, I’ll be taking a big step in that journey and handing my manuscript in to my dream publisher.

If you had told me even five years ago that this was in the cards for me, I 100% would not have believed you.

The biggest challenge I faced wasn't actually the writing itself.

It was giving myself permission to be a writer, instead of waiting for some unknown authority to pop out and tell me I was good enough or I was allowed to try. I had to confront my self-doubt and inner critic head-on, and then bring them along for the ride. And I won't lie, it's a little scary. But in the good, empowering kind of way.

What I’ve Learned About Our Soul's Calling (& Books)

The dreams that burn in our hearts are there for a reason. They’re possible for us, and our souls are calling us toward them - subtly and not so subtly. If it wasn't possible for us, the dream wouldn't be there. I have never once dreamt of being a Data Scientist because numbers make my brain stop working and my eyeballs hurt. But maybe you have!

Most importantly, the dream may be there, but it will always be just a dream until we give ourselves permission to take action on it.

*I also learned that most books aren't written in serene hideaway cabins, much to my dismay. The bulk of my book was written at 5 am, sneaking a few sentences in before my kids woke up, in voice notes while driving, and across various notes and scraps of paper that I would piece together later (or struggle to find when I needed them).

What Have You Convinced Yourself Is Not Possible For You?

I’m sharing this because I'm sure you’ve felt a similar calling in your own life. Maybe you’ve ignored it for a long time, or convinced yourself it's not possible for you. Or it feels really silly. But the call is still there (perhaps getting louder?). The path to follow it may not be laid out from start to finish, and you might not even know where to start at all, but that’s the beauty of taking action: each step brings more clarity.

Sometimes, following your soul’s call is the path to do things differently from the blueprint you were given or completely outside of expectations. Following your inner guidance is definitely not always the easier path, and it takes a lot of trust in the unknown, but living true to yourself will always be the better option.

If you’re feeling the nudge to pursue something new or step into a more aligned version of yourself, trust that the desire is there for a reason.

Create a Dream Wish List

This is one of my favorite exercises to share. Try it if it speaks to you. In a journal or on paper make a list of dreams. Let yourself listen to your heart as you stay in the energy of wonder and exploration. Dream beyond the confines of what seems logical or practical. Don’t focus on whether you can afford it, if it aligns with your "life's purpose," or if you have enough time. Instead, dream from a place of possibility and openness. The process of writing them down also helps bring connection to your dreams, along with clarity and even a sense of priority and direction.

See what comes up! You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start.

🪽Angel Card Pull: Strength & Guidance🪽

This card is all about following your soul and trusting in the guidance of the universe. You are a part of the divine and your intentions and prayers are powerful. You are feeling a deeper pull to align with your soul's path and angels want you to know that you will be guided if you keep taking the steps you are called to. Stay committed and trusting in your own path and how it's unfolding.

P.S. I always pull the angel card after writing the newsletter, and I am always amazed at how they align.

P.S.S. If you were nodding along to this newsletter, definitely check out the new episode of The Soul's Call 👇

Know a sensitive soul who should read this?

It would mean so much if you shared the newsletter.


On The Podcast

A Story of Strength, Growth, & Learning to Choose Yourself with Jillian Abby

If you've ever felt the nudge that it was time to make big changes in your life, this one is for you. In this episode, I sit down with Jillian Abby - motivational speaker, writing coach, and author of Perfectly Queer. Jillian shares her journey of answering her own souls call, navigating big challenges and making big changes, to live in true alignment with herself. We discuss the messy, honest path of following your truth, letting go of perfectionism, and trusting your intuition. This episode offers inspiration and hope for anyone navigating big life changes or seeking to live more authentically.


MENTORSHIP

reclaim your power

Are you a highly sensitive woman navigating the intensity of a spiritual awakening? Does it feel like your world has been turned upside down, leaving you to rebuild from scratch? Are you noticing heightened sensitivity—seeing, hearing, and feeling more deeply —yet unsure how to make sense of it all? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.

In our mentorship sessions, I use my intuitive abilities and we work together to help uncover what might be keeping you stuck. Together, we’ll explore recurring patterns and gently bring to light areas that have been buried. I’ll guide you with practices designed to honor your sensitivity, deepen your connection to your body, and strengthen your relationship with your inner wisdom.

These sessions are space for you to feel seen, supported, and understood—nothing is too weird here.

Together, we’ll move beyond overwhelm and learn how to harness your sensitivity as a powerful source of insight and connection, helping you cultivate clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. Whether you’re experiencing a spiritual awakening, seeking to understand your spiritual abilities, or longing for greater alignment in your life, these mentorship sessions are tailored to meet you exactly where you are.

Take the first step on your journey of self-discovery and empowerment by booking a free 15-minute discovery call today.

Warmly, Danica

Thank you all so much for reading, I'm so glad you're part of this sensitive & supportive community!

*The content provided by Danica is not intended to be used and should not be used or interpreted as medical, mental health, financial, legal or career advice. The proper use and application of this information is the sole responsibility of the recipient.

To stay in touch, follow me on Instagram or checkout Danicabanes.com


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Letters to the Sensitive Soul

Hi! I'm Danica, a medium, intuitive guide, and author. My work is devoted to creating supportive spaces for highly sensitive folks to reconnect with themselves, their bodies, and their inner wisdom. I weave together intuitive guidance, somatic practices, and trauma-informed tools to help ease perfectionism, soften self-criticism, and strengthen self-trust, because I believe spirituality isn’t about transcending ourselves, but deepening into who we are.

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