Pocket Sized Wisdom

I like pocket-sized wisdom. The sort I can carry around and invoke, as needed. And lately, I’ve needed all that I can summon, both to soothe myself and support others.

I especially like these words, because they’re useful no matter what the stressors might be:

I don’t need your permission to do what’s best for me – even if it upsets you.

Repeat as needed. Silently or out loud…

While engaged in meditative moments or in the thirty seconds we might carve out to catch our breath in situations where tensions and tempers might run high.

Or…in situations where we anticipate animosity. Lack of understanding and compassion.

Empowering words that might usher you through. Deliver you to higher ground.

I’ve heard from countless students and clients over the years that my “liberation mantra” (thank you, Darla for naming the message) works because it’s memorable and easy to summon in a time of need. I haven’t read Mel Robbins’ viral “Let Them” but according to Darla it’s good…and it reminded her that she’d never really thanked me for introducing her to the power of letting go. Isn’t she sweet?

When Darla told me last week that she’s paraphrased that sentence over and over again in the ten years since I was her professor, I smiled. Grateful for her outreach. Grateful that she took the time to connect.

And so…with Darla’s blessing, I decided to share it with you today. You might say I’m Sharing the Heart of the Matter from both of us – me and Darla.

Take care of yourselves, people!

-Vicki 💕


Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki.  Visit me on my personal blog, Victoria Ponders. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.

Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.


56 thoughts on “Pocket Sized Wisdom

  1. I’m a fan of pocket-sized wisdom too. I’m not sure if it’s a poor memory or getting in the heat of the moment, but I prefer things I can easily recall without a lot of work. We all need those short little mantra’s to help get us through life’s challenges. And yes, thank you Darla, I’m a fan too of your liberation mantra. Love the message and the freedom that it espouses. Thank you for sharing Vicki.

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  2. I think I know what you are referring to, Vicki, but people need to refer to the elephant (pun) in the room now, lest the thought police show up later.

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  3. here’s to you for that phrase and I’m going to write it down to use as needed from this point forward. I also love pocket-sized wisdom, sometimes the very best way to go. thank you for this!

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  4. Your liberation mantra is aptly named — and it’s valuable. Reminds me of the encouragement that we can disagree with others without getting angry at them. And these kinds of encouragements are so helpful these days 🌞🤗

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  5. So much power in letting go. Perhaps you recall me saying this before, but I think 2nd and 3rd grade students excel in this area far better than many adults. Of course, they have disagreements and problems with peers, but they don’t hang onto grudges; they just want to be friends. It’s one of the simplest yet most valuable lessons.

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  6. I was just about to say that your pocket sized wisdom reminded me of Mel Robbins new book Let Them. I haven’t read it either but only know it a high level. And it is a life altering mantra, Vicki. When we do what we have to for our sanity, regardless of what others think. Very liberating!

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  7. I read an article about “Let Them” and thought such good advice. It goes along with something Amy Poehler said a while back. You need to learn to say: “good for you, not for me.” That has become my mantra.

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  8. Oh gosh Vicki, I love this, “I don’t need your permission to do what’s best for me – even if it upsets you.” How empowering and a wonderful piece of advice. Love your “Pocket Sized Wisdom,” in bite-sized pieces. Thanks a million for sharing my friend. 😊👍🏼🤗💖🥰

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      1. Bless you always my friend. Thank you for your positivity and empowering encouragement Vicki! I adore the way we lift each other up, because Lord knows, especially in our current state, we need it more now than ever. Thank you my friend and yes, we have a deal! 🤜🏼🤛🏼

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