Here are eight things that people who truly adore their lives never apologize for. And these aren't signs of selfishness; they're the markers of a fulfilling, unapologetic life.
There's a fine line between being selfish and living a life you truly love.
As Jeanette Brown, the creator of Reset Your Life Compass, I've seen it all. People apologizing for things they should be proud of, just to keep others comfortable.
But those who really love their lives? They refuse to say sorry for certain things. Because at the end of the day, it's their happiness that's on the line.
In this article, I'm going to share with you eight things that people who truly adore their lives never apologize for. These aren't signs of selfishness; they're the markers of a fulfilling, unapologetic life.
1) Embracing their inner world
Life is a roller-coaster, full of ups and downs. Externally, we all face challenges but what truly matters is how we handle these challenges internally.
People who love their lives understand this concept. They navigate their inner world of thoughts and feelings diligently, refusing to apologize for how they feel or think. Instead, they embrace their emotions as a part of their human experience.
It's not always easy. As someone who has spent years refining the art of living, I've had my fair share of emotional turmoil. But the day I quit apologizing for my feelings was the day I began to truly fall in love with my life.
Practical tip? Mindfulness.
Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It's not about changing anything; it's about acceptance and understanding that your feelings are valid and you don't need to apologize for them.
This doesn't mean you have license to hurt others with your feelings, but it does mean you have the right to feel them, process them and take care of yourself accordingly.
2) Steering their own path
The world is full of voices telling us what we should do, how we should feel, and who we should be. But people who love their lives? They refuse to apologize for taking the wheel and steering their own course.
There's a raw, honest truth here: You have the power to steer the direction of your life. We all have untapped potential and the only way to tap into it is by taking full responsibility for our lives.
It's not an easy road, but it's a rewarding one. When you take full control of your life, you become the master of your destiny. You stop being a passenger and become the driver.
Sure, you'll make mistakes. You'll take wrong turns. But that's okay - it's part of the journey. And people who love their lives don't apologize for their missteps; they see them as valuable lessons that shape their unique path.
So if you're ready to take control and steer your life in the direction you want, remember: You don't have to apologize for the path you choose. It's your journey, and you're the one who gets to decide where it leads.
3) Becoming their own coach
Here's a raw, honest truth: You don't need someone else to guide you through life. People who adore their lives refuse to apologize for becoming their own coach.
It's a skill, and like any other skill, it takes practice to develop. But once you've mastered it, it empowers you to navigate any major life change with grace and resilience.
Coaching yourself involves knowing your strengths and weaknesses, setting personal goals, and developing strategies to meet them. It's about self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-improvement.
The beauty of becoming your own coach is that it leads to a more fulfilling life. It allows you to take control of your destiny, make decisions that align with your values, and ultimately, live a life that you love.
If you're ready to embrace the journey of self-coaching, remember: You don't need to apologize for wanting the best for yourself. It's your life, and you're entitled to lead it in a way that brings you joy and fulfillment.
4) Prioritizing Self-Compassion
People who love their lives have a secret weapon: self-compassion. They don't apologize for treating themselves with kindness and understanding, especially when they stumble or fall. Instead, they practice self-compassion, recognizing that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay to be imperfect.
In her groundbreaking work, Dr. Kristen Neff, a leading expert on self-compassion, said, "With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we'd give to a good friend."
It's about recognizing that you're human and it's okay to have flaws. It's okay to have bad days. It's okay to not be okay sometimes. And there is absolutely no need to apologize for any of it.
Practicing self-compassion isn't about avoiding responsibility or ignoring our mistakes, but rather about acknowledging our imperfections without judgment. It enables us to learn from our mistakes and grow as individuals.
Next time you find yourself being too hard on yourself, remember to practice self-compassion. Because you don't have to apologize for being human. You only need to remember to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you'd offer a good friend.
5) Embracing failure and stepping out of comfort zones
In a world where change is constant, people who love their lives refuse to apologize for seeing failure as their best teacher. They understand that in order to grow, they need to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the possibility of failure.
They don't view failure as an end, but rather as a stepping stone towards success. It's not a setback, it's an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to become stronger.
This perspective comes from cultivating a growth and curious mindset. It's about understanding that the path to personal growth is paved with challenges and setbacks - and that's okay.
Stepping out of our comfort zone can be scary. It's natural to fear the unknown, to fear failure. But the reality is that real growth happens when we challenge ourselves, when we do things that scare us.
So if you're ready to embrace failure and step out of your comfort zone, remember: You don't need to apologize for pursuing growth. It's your life, and you're entitled to strive for the best version of yourself.
6) Pursuing their passion
People who are in love with their lives never apologize for following their passions. They understand that life is too short to spend it on things that don't make their hearts sing.
I remember when I decided to start the Reset Your Life Compass platform. There were doubts, fears, and naysayers. But my passion was stronger than any obstacle in my way. And I've never regretted, nor apologized for following it.
So, chase your dreams, follow your heart, and never apologize for wanting to fill your life with what you love.
7) Prioritizing self-care
This might sound selfish to some, but people who cherish their lives refuse to apologize for prioritizing self-care. They know that they can't pour from an empty cup.
Whether it's a daily meditation practice, regular exercise, or just a quiet evening with a good book, they understand the importance of taking care of their physical and mental wellbeing.
Remember, there's no shame in putting yourself first sometimes. It's not just okay—it's necessary.
8) Living authentically
Lastly, people who truly love their lives refuse to apologize for being themselves. They honor their truth and live authentically, even when it means going against the grain.
Living authentically means being true to yourself, owning your story, and not being afraid to show the world who you truly are. It's not always easy, but it's the only way to live a life that you truly love.
So dare to be yourself, dare to live your truth. And never apologize for being unapologetically you.
In conclusion, the secret to loving your life lies in embracing who you are, living authentically, and refusing to apologize for what makes you, you. It's about steering your own path, becoming your own coach, and recognizing that it's okay to prioritize self-care and follow your passion.
If you're in your 60s or beyond and looking to reinvent your life in retirement, I invite you to sign up for my upcoming online course, "Your Retirement, Your Way: Thriving, Dreaming and Reinventing Life in Your 60s and Beyond." You can sign up through The Vessel to find out when the course is launched.
In this course, you'll not only learn how to coach yourself to a happier, more fulfilling retirement but also discover the transformative power of regular reflection and journaling. These practices can deepen your self-awareness and help you grow as an individual.
When you learn to coach yourself, you're investing in a lifetime skill. This isn’t just a temporary fix; it's an enduring capability. With self-coaching, you're taking control, empowering yourself to handle whatever life throws your way.
Never apologize for living a life that brings you joy. It's your life. Love it, unapologetically.
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