Episode 47

Embracing Uncertainty: It's Okay to Not Have All the Answers

Published on: 8th April, 2026

Sometimes, it's just okay not to have all the answers when it comes to self-care. Feeling off or disconnected is a normal part of the process. We often hear that we should listen to our bodies and tune in to what we need, but what happens when there’s just static or fog? It can be frustrating when you can’t pinpoint what would make you feel better, but I want to remind you that not knowing is part of being human. So, if you’re in that space right now, take a deep breath and give yourself the permission to simply be.

Takeaways:

  1. It's perfectly fine to not always know what you need for self-care.
  2. Sometimes, the best approach is to pause and give yourself space to breathe.
  3. Feeling off without clarity about the cause is a normal part of being human.
  4. You’re not failing at self-awareness; you’re simply experiencing the complexity of life.
  5. Clarity often emerges in moments of quiet reflection, not when we force it.
  6. We all need to give ourselves permission to not have all the answers sometimes.
Transcript
Speaker A:

Hey, this is.

Speaker A:

It's okay if bite sized permission slips.

Speaker A:

I'm Matt Gilhooly and today's permission.

Speaker A:

It's okay if you don't always know what you need.

Speaker A:

We hear it all the time.

Speaker A:

Listen to your body tune in to what you need.

Speaker A:

Self care starts with knowing yourself.

Speaker A:

But sometimes you check in and it's just static.

Speaker A:

No clarity, no obvious answer.

Speaker A:

Just a fogg.

Speaker A:

I don't know.

Speaker A:

I've been there days where I felt off, disconnected, overwhelmed and couldn't for the life of me figure it out.

Speaker A:

I couldn't figure out what would make it better.

Speaker A:

And it's frustrating because if you don't know what you need, how can you give it to yourself?

Speaker A:

But here's what I've learned.

Speaker A:

Not knowing is okay.

Speaker A:

And it's part of the process.

Speaker A:

Sometimes the best thing you can do is just pause, breathe.

Speaker A:

Give yourself space.

Speaker A:

To not have the answer right away.

Speaker A:

Clarity comes in the quiet.

Speaker A:

It's not always on demand.

Speaker A:

So if today you're feeling off but can't quite name why or what would help, that's okay.

Speaker A:

You're not failing at self awareness.

Speaker A:

You're just being you.

Speaker A:

And that's okay.

Speaker A:

Let's say this together, if you'd like.

Speaker A:

I give myself permission to not have all the answers.

Speaker A:

It's okay to not know what I need right now.

Speaker A:

That's your permission slip, friend.

Speaker A:

Tuck it in your pocket and I'll see you next time.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode
Show artwork for It’s Okay If… Permission Slips for Mental Health, Self-Acceptance, and Growth

About the Podcast

It’s Okay If… Permission Slips for Mental Health, Self-Acceptance, and Growth
Bite-Sized Permission Slips for Real Life
What if you didn’t need to have it all figured out?

It’s Okay If… is your weekly permission slip to be human.

I created this short-form podcast as part of my own healing process — a way to slow down, process grief, and reconnect with what I was feeling.

Each bite-sized episode (just 3 minutes or less) offers a short, honest reflection to challenge perfectionism, embrace your real self, and remind you that you're not alone.

Hosted by Matt Gilhooly, creator of The Life Shift Podcast, this show delivers midday nudges of self-acceptance, insight, and calm – whether you're walking the dog, stuck in traffic, or just need a breath.

No fluff. No fixing. Just a moment of truth.

New episodes every Wednesday at noon. Follow wherever you get your podcasts.

About your host

Profile picture for Matt Gilhooly

Matt Gilhooly