So many things you should never apologize for. I entered my 30s with the aim to be a better version of myself. To be more self-aware, to be happier with who I am, to feel fulfilled with my surroundings, to lead a life that inspires and makes me want to keep going regardless of the direction. Now having turned 32 a couple of weeks ago, I also promised myself, I would stop habits that did not make me happy. Habits that placed limits on whom I want to be or habits that drive negativity into my life whether they are external or internal. The first step to my journey was to stop apologizing for things I should not be apologizing for.
Here are 6 things you should never apologize for:
Following Your Dream
When you want to follow your dream whatever it may be, you will hear people telling you not to do it. They will tell you your dream is unstable, the outcomes are unknown, and your future is uncertain. Why would you want to leave a stable 9-5 job for a “dream”? Other people’s opinions will have you trying to justify your dream. You should never apologize for wanting to follow your dream. Whether your dream will lead you to success or a difficult journey, or even failure, it is your life to live. It is your dream to follow. You should never apologize for wanting to live a life where you have no regrets. You are the only person that is living your life. No one else. Don’t try to justify your dream to others.
Giving Up
There is a tendency for giving up to be viewed as negative. I disagree. People say “I will not give up because I am not a quitter.” Umm excuse me, what? Just because you give up on something doesn’t mean you are a quitter! There is a time and place for everything, and giving up for me indicates self-awareness and acceptance that some things are set in their ways, and regardless of how many times you try you can either not change them or cannot succeed. You should never apologize or feel bad for giving up on something. You are also not a quitter. You certainly shouldn’t feel like you own an explanation to others as well. Let’s stop thinking giving up is a bad thing.
Leaving Someone You Love
I had to leave behind loved ones and for the longest time I felt so guilty. We all have our reasons for leaving people we love, and although others may not understand you should never feel like it was a mistake or feel guilty about it. Whether you hurt other people in the process or you even hurt yourself, letting go is never an easy decision to make. Sometimes though, you know what is best for you. You should never apologize for taking care of yourself first.
Not Apologizing To Someone
I stopped apologizing to people just because they expected it. I promised myself if my apology is not sincere and I don’t truly feel sorry, then I would not apologize. I also should not feel guilty about not apologizing. We seem to use the sentence “I am sorry” so loosely that I want my apologies to be sincere and come from the heart. Just like I would not want someone to apologize to me just for the sake of apologizing. Apologizing should be sincere.
Saying No
This is the number one thing people feel guilty about. It is so important to start saying no, and start saying yes to your own needs. If you cannot give 100 percent to something, you should never have to apologize for saying no. Sometimes we overfill our plates in fear of letting people down if we say no, but you have to set some time aside for your own needs. I used to overly apologize for saying no to friends, even trying to justify why I can’t make it to something. I stopped doing that.
Having Your Own Priorities
No one should make you feel like you have to apologize for having your own set of priorities. I used to feel so guilty for not having children yet, especially when everyone kept asking “What are you waiting for”. I felt like I had to apologize for being a woman and not wanting to have kids yet. What you have to always remember is that just because your priorities are different from the “social norm” it doesn’t mean you have to apologize or explain your priorities.
These are my top things you should never apologize for. What are yours?
Photography: Laura Clarke
You look stunningly beautiful Eleni! This post is a must read too! There are many categories here I find myself feeling guilty for and I think we need to start realizing we need to take care of ourselves first. Amanda enchantingelegance.net
Must admit, guilty guilty on all six accounts..Where were you like fifty years ago.Beautiful young lady, beautiful soul.Please don’t stop, love your advice.