Last update: December 17, 2015
Many of our decisions often raise questions and, at times, doubts in those around us. We will always meet people who have something to say and who judge our behavior right and left and our way of acting in the face of life. Something that seems to be of little consequence, but which in the long run, repeated over time and constantly, can hurt our heart and the way we love ourselves.
Psychologist and blogger David William, after conducting various social studies, came to the conclusion that we do not have to, nor are we obligated, to explain and justify ourselves, although many of us have received an education that not doing so can make us feel wrong.
If you don't have inner freedom, what other freedom do you hope to have?
-Arturo Graf-
Below we list the 6 occasions when you do not have to justify yourself, even if your beliefs or your education tell you otherwise. Remember that you only ever have to answer to yourself, however much others push you to justify yourself.
You don't have to explain your life priorities
Each of us it is unique and unrepeatable. This is why it is inevitable to meet someone along our path who has tastes or attitudes towards life that are different from ours. You have your own ideas and you know what you have to do to live well and to be correct with yourself and with the environment around you.
We have different dreams, goals and desires from each other. Learning to be empathetic and to respect others is key to not judging something as sacred as our vital opinions. You decide and you have the power to choose. That is why you do not have to justify yourself to anyone when you take or abandon certain actions.
Don't apologize for something that doesn't bother you, doesn't hurt you, or doesn't move you
You are free to feel your emotions. That's why, if you don't feel guilty about something others think you've done, you don't have to put on a mask, because your body, in the long run, will blame you: the guilt of ceasing to be yourself. No matter what others think, it is your decision and it will change when you want.
If you actually think there is no need to apologize, why do it? Why do others demand it of you? Don't allow others to tell you how you should feel and what you should do. Respect and, above all, be true to yourself.
The time you spend alone is yours alone, you don't have to give explanations
It is true that even today, even if mature and emotionally intelligent, it is difficult for us to say “no” to many invitations and meetings and not to go to certain events even if we like to be alone for a while. We are afraid of appearing presumptuous, arrogant and even antisocial.
However, we often do not realize the importance of taking some time for ourselves and thus experiencing the disconnection offered by the silence and relaxation that solitude implies. Wanting to spend time alone with ourselves is actually normal and necessary for healthy emotional well-being daily.
Don't worry about justifying the time you spend alone and stick to this healthy habit which, in the right measure, is very good for you. You decide how you spend your time and how and if others don't understand it, it doesn't mean you have to explain it to them.
Respecting the personal beliefs of others is necessary, but that doesn't mean you have to accept them
As we said before, empathy implies respecting and accepting those who may think differently from us. The same is true in reverse. Human beings share emotions, events, experiences and beliefs. All this makes us "ourselves".
Just because someone doesn't share this with you doesn't mean you have to accept and agree. However, we urge you to be transparent and not to pretend to agree. Sincerity is essential to be able to establish a healthy relationship: Let the other know in a respectful way that you don't think like him, and if you don't want to explain why, you don't have to.
Nobody should force you to say "yes"
We come into the world with the right to be free, to have the freedom to make the decisions we believe are right and healthy for ourselves, and therefore also for the people we love. It is said that successful people are those who have learned to master the art of rejecting what they do not consider a priority or that they simply don't want to do.
It is important to give and receive gratitude, but don't be afraid to say no if that's what you feel like doing. Self-respect is very important and rejecting something you don't want only gives you value as unique people and extraordinary human beings. This helps you set your limits and be respected.
The path you have taken is sacred and you do not have to justify this choice to anyone
The eternal duality: pleasure and duty. We live in a system that educates us to follow rules that say that work is only responsibility and headache. That if we work we cannot be happy or feel alive during the day. And we choose to think so because we believe it is the right thing or for fear of what others will say.
However, I would like to ask you: why think so? If you could choose how to think, what would you really like to do? You do not have to explain to those around you why you have preferred to dedicate your life to one profession or another.
Always remember that you are the masters of your life, accept criticism and learn from it, but never feel bad about what you think is good for you.
Doing what you like transforms you into who you really are, gives you wings to reach the best version of yourself. He pushes you to be better and, thus, to give it to the world. If you are questioned, use the elegant "don't be offended, it's none of your business". They have the power to do it or not in their lives and the same goes for you.
