Society often imposes expectations on us, telling us that we should justify our choices to others. Yet, granting permission to ourselves to live authentically means realizing we don’t owe anyone an explanation for certain aspects of our lives.

This doesn’t mean shutting out constructive dialogue or relationships, but it’s about acknowledging our right to autonomy and self-respect. It’s about empowering ourselves to make decisions that align with our core values without feeling compelled to defend them.

Here are seven things you are not obliged to explain or justify, despite what societal norms may dictate.

1) Your personal values

In an increasingly connected world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of societal expectations and norms. We’re often told what we should value, how we should live, what we should aspire to.

Yet, at the core of our being, is a unique set of personal values that guides our decisions and shapes our lives. These values are deeply personal and are not up for public scrutiny or debate. They’re shaped by our experiences, our learning, and our growth.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your personal values, even if they diverge from the norm. What matters is that they resonate with you and guide you towards living a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

It’s essential to remember that your values are your compass – they direct your actions, influence your choices, and underpin your sense of self. They’re not just important; they’re non-negotiable.

So if someone questions or challenges your values, remember that you have every right to assert them without feeling the need to justify or defend them. Your values belong to you, and you alone.

2) Your life’s pace

It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind in a world that seems to be moving at breakneck speed. The pressure to keep up, to reach milestones at the same time as your peers, can be overwhelming. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that life is not a race.

Each of us has our own path, our own rhythm. We all have different goals, different dreams, different struggles. We grow at our own pace, learn at our own pace, and move forward at our own pace. And that’s perfectly okay.

In my own life, I’ve found that stepping off the societal treadmill and embracing my own pace has allowed me to live more authentically and freely. It’s given me the space to nurture my creativity and to cultivate relationships based on mutual respect and empathy.

Remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for the speed at which you’re moving through life. As long as you’re living in alignment with your values and striving towards your goals, you’re on the right path.

As the renowned physicist Albert Einstein once said: “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” Embrace your unique journey and move at your own pace.

3) Your career path

Much of society defines success by career accomplishments and the accumulation of wealth. But prosperity is more than just financial gain; it’s about aligning your work with your values, using your skills and talents to effect positive change, and finding fulfillment in what you do.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your career choices. Maybe you chose a less-traveled path, one that doesn’t fit into traditional notions of success. Or perhaps you decided to leave a high-paying job to pursue a dream that’s closer to your heart. Your career path is yours alone to determine.

I delve into this topic in more detail in my video on feeling trapped by the corporate 9-to-5 system and the dissatisfaction that can arise from being unhappy in your work. I believe it’s essential to recognize when a job makes you feel like you’re a slave and take steps towards finding work that aligns with your values and brings you fulfillment.

If this resonates with you and you want to continue exploring living a life with more purpose and freedom, consider joining the community of over 20,000 people who subscribe to my YouTube channel. You can click here to subscribe.

4) Your choice to remain single

In many cultures, there’s an unwritten rule that happiness and fulfillment come from finding a life partner. Yet, the pressure to conform to this norm can sometimes lead us away from our true selves and towards relationships that don’t align with our values or needs.

Choosing to remain single is a valid and empowering decision. It’s a commitment to self-growth, self-love, and personal freedom. It’s about taking the time you need to understand yourself better, to cultivate your interests, and to build strong, authentic relationships with others on your terms.

Being single is not a sign of deficiency or a problem that needs fixing. It’s a conscious choice that should be respected and honored. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for choosing singleness over a relationship if it’s what feels right for you.

Remember, societal norms are not mandates. They’re constructs that can be questioned, challenged, and even rejected when they don’t serve our personal truth. It’s your life, your journey, and you have the power to define it in whatever way feels most authentic to you.

5) Your financial decisions

Money is a powerful tool that can shape our lives in profound ways. But often, we’re judged by the financial decisions we make – whether we save or spend, invest or give, choose security or risk. Sometimes, these judgments can lead us to question our own choices.

Remember, true prosperity is about aligning your financial decisions with your deepest values and using money as a tool for positive change. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you choose to manage your finances. It’s not just about accumulating wealth, but about cultivating a sense of purpose, creativity, and ethical participation in the economy.

Perhaps you’ve chosen to direct your resources towards businesses and initiatives that promote social good. Or maybe you’ve decided to invest in personal growth and creativity rather than physical possessions. Whatever your decisions, they’re yours to make.

Don’t let societal pressures or others’ judgments sway you from making financial choices that align with your values and contribute to the kind of world you want to live in. Your financial decisions should empower you, not constrain you. Always remember that you are the author of your own financial story.

6) Your perceived failures

Society often equates failure with defeat, a sign of weakness or incompetence. We’re taught to avoid failure at all costs, to strive for perfection and success in all that we do. But this view is not only limiting, it’s fundamentally flawed.

Failure is not a sign of inadequacy. Instead, it’s an opportunity for growth and learning. Every setback, every obstacle, every so-called failure contains within it the seeds of creative possibility and innovation.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your perceived failures. Instead of getting discouraged or feeling the need to justify yourself, choose to view failure as feedback. It’s an invitation to adapt, evolve and tap into your creative potential.

Embrace the lessons that come from failure. They’re opportunities to learn more about yourself, to challenge your limitations and to cultivate resilience. Remember that the path to personal freedom and authenticity often includes stumbling, falling and getting back up again, stronger and wiser than before.

7) Your self-care practices

In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed society, taking time for self-care can often be viewed as indulgent or selfish. We’re encouraged to constantly push ourselves, to do more, achieve more, be more. But at what cost?

Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s about taking care of your physical, psychological, and emotional health. It’s about recognizing your needs and taking steps to meet them. It’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your self-care practices. Whether it’s taking a mental health day, practicing mindfulness meditation, engaging in physical activity, or simply taking time out to relax and rejuvenate, these practices are crucial for maintaining balance and promoting overall well-being.

Don’t let anyone shame you into neglecting your needs. Your self-care practices are integral to your health and happiness. Embrace them without apology or explanation. They’re not just important; they’re non-negotiable.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first, so you can be there for others in a meaningful way.

Embracing Authenticity and Freedom

Our lives are a complex tapestry of choices, experiences, and beliefs. Each thread is unique and meaningful, contributing to the overall pattern that makes us who we are.

Through the exploration of these seven aspects of life where you don’t owe anyone an explanation, we’ve delved into the power of authenticity and freedom. We’ve challenged societal norms and expectations, making room for individual expression and self-empowerment.

Whether it’s your personal values, your pace in life, your career path, your choice to remain single, your financial decisions, your perceived failures, or your self-care practices – remember that these are aspects of your life that you own. You needn’t justify them to anyone.

By standing firm in our truths and navigating life on our own terms, we create space for personal growth, resilience, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

Is there an aspect of your life you’ve felt compelled to explain or justify because of societal pressure? How can embracing these seven truths empower you to live more authentically?

Consider this as you continue on your journey. And if you’re interested in joining a community that explores these kinds of topics further, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. Together, we can navigate the complexities of life while striving for authenticity and freedom.