Permission to Offend: A Heartfelt Guide to Living an Unfiltered and Fearless Life

by Rachel Luna

When you choose to become unfiltered and unafraid, YOUR LIFE WILL CHANGE. Looking at Rachel Luna today, you would never guess what she has been through. Both her parents died from AIDS, she survived a cancer diagnosis that upended her life, and she served for a decade in the United States Marine Corps. However, with every challenging experience, Rachel noticed herself becoming a more watered down version of her true self, questioning her every thought, decision, and action, and filtering each through the expectations of other people. She finally had a her life would stay the same until she became radically honest with herself and others. In Permission to Offend, certified master coach Rachel Luna reveals her “Permission Slips” for living in truth, faith, freedom, and abundance. She delivers actionable steps for ending validation addiction, recognizing your values and anchoring your life in them, defining your beliefs, accepting rejection, and activating your truth. Rachel introduces her Offender Identity Framework so you can get more of what you want without losing what matters most. If you have ever wondered what it would feel like to live completely unfettered by the opinions and judgments of others, Permission to Offend is for you. It’s time for you to step out of the corner and into the light. This book will show you how.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology

304 pages, Hardcover

Published February 7, 2023

Reviews

[Gina Carreon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was particularly challenging for me to get through, but I told myself I would stick with it hoping to get some gems out of it. And I did. The author says “take what you need, and leave the rest” and there was definitely a lot of that happening as I was reading. I think the main reason I struggled to get through it was her “preachy” tone throughout. It’s funny, because in her book she denies being preachy- but she kinda is, actually! One thing that gave me the ick in particular was in an earlier chapter, she talked about celebrating herself and patting herself on the back- but that would probably make (the reader) angry? Let me say, I’m not mad at anyone that celebrates themselves, and I celebrate myself often. I felt like it was a strange thing to direct towards the reader… To assume the reader felt uncomfortable with her patting herself on the back.
Anyway, as far as the content goes- she includes many wonderful tools for communicating your truth effectively. That was the biggest takeaway for me: implementing more effective listening & communication skills where I don’t abandon myself, but also don’t allow myself to shrink to make others more comfortable. Learning to communicate in a way that embodies the Empathetic Offender.

[Sheri Simmons MzSheriBaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I felt like the author was talking directly to me as I read the book. This is the book that people need to read so that they can understand it is ok to say whatever needs to be said and to whoever it needs to be said to!

[James Lovaas · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Allyn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve tried SO many different journaling practices (especially for manifesting) and none of them stuck because I never felt like I really knew what I wanted. There are a bajillion incredible takeaways in this book, but already the 3-step journaling method has made a total shift in how I start my day and envision my desires. Total bonus that Rachel is spicy, hilarious, and zero BS in how she shares her stories and invites deep reflection. She combines neuroscience and faith in the most tangible way and delivers actionable processes that will bring clarity to who you are and who you can be. Highly recommended this book!! (Changed my 4-stars to 5 because if the cover appeals to you in any way you will devour this book and fall in love with Rachel… and yourself! It’s not meant to be for everyone, but if it’s for you, you’ll know.)

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is five stars because it's really helpful to me. I did all the exercises and re-read parts as needed. The "written for women" parts are minimal. The moment where she didn't apply her own advice to "get curious" when her friend raised a concern about the author's children and this was used as an example of the friend needing to see things differently gave me pause, however. Aside from that, this is great.

The part about not letting my belief in the goodness of others keep me from honouring my own boundaries alone is 5 stars for me as it increased my awareness of a blind spot.

I imagine that if a book's program is followed, there will be results so mileage may vary and this may not be for everyone.

[Anna Bussabarger-Graf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good and had lots of helpful journaling tactics and exercises to help you "check yourself". Rachel has talent beyond belief with coaching. If I was religious, then I'd probably love this book even more (that's the one thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars). It's an excellent book if you're a people-pleaser and/or recovering one. It also discusses fear, imposter syndrome, social and racial identity, and so much more in the lens of how these things can keep you back but not really if you're dedicated enough. It's a very "Go get 'em" book.

[Lora Condon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this straight-to-the-point book. Very different than many other books like this because it goes straight to the heart and mind with actionable items. Very specific examples of how we stop ourselves from living our best life. This girl walks the walk and talks the talk. Very brave, very open and a good book for almost anyone! Very inspiring.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book to shift the mindset from negative to positive while incorporating what serves YOU! This would be a good tool for CBT use or just creating more assertiveness in yourself. There are some references to faith based ideals but nothing pushy in regard to religion it is simply used as an example of where the author gathered her ideas and inspiration.

[Samantha Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! It's the first self-development book I've read that I feel like actually spoke to me and provided sooooo many actionable journal prompts and steps I could take to dive deep into why I am the way I am and how I can actually change. Highly recommend!!!

[Stephanie Villanueva · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn’t very formal in some ways. I can appreciate that to an extent, but it was written kinda poorly in my opinion! But she’s a queen and a strong woman. Great book if you are struggling to stay true to your opinions.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea, but the whole thing felt so judgmental toward everyone else, all the while suggesting you do whatever it is to "share your own truth."

[C. Woody]

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[Sylvilel · Rating 1 out of 5]

BAIL