Most of us have spent way too much time living on other people’s terms. Always performing, pleasing, or pretending. But at some point (like now), you’ve gotta snatch your life back. Not everything has to be Instagrammable or family-approved. Here’s your unapologetic permission slip: these 18 things? Start doing them for YOU.
Saying “No” Without a 5-Minute TED Talk
Stop justifying your boundaries as if you’re in court. “No” is a complete sentence, not something to be debated. If it exhausts you, disrespects you, or simply doesn’t sit well with you, say no and walk away. You don’t owe anyone an explanation of your life or a guilt trip answer.
Dressing the Way You Actually Want To
Forget about what’s “on-trend,” “age-appropriate,” or what your aunt believes is complimentary. Put on that damn crop top. Own that neon. Dress like you’re the main character — because you are. If it makes you happy, that’s the only rule you should follow.
Taking Up Space Without Apologising
Stop shrinking. Stop apologizing every time you talk, move, breathe, or exhale too loudly. Take up space. Speak what you must. Laugh loudly. Stretch your opinions wide. You were never meant to fit into the cramped little boxes that are meant to silence you. Claim your presence like it is your birthright.
Resting Without “Earning” It First
You don’t have to burn out to earn a nap. You don’t have to hustle all week to have a lazy Sunday. Stop performing exhaustion to prove yourself. Take a nap. Watch trash TV. Do nothing. The world will keep on spinning while you recharge your soul.
Spending Money on Things That Make You Happy
Yes, that includes treating yourself to skincare, art, tattoos, books, crystals, concert tickets – whatever brings you joy in your quirky little life. Not all the things you purchase need to be “useful” or “practical.” You’re not a monk. If it nourishes your soul or makes you grin when life is awful, it’s every dollar well spent.
Traveling Where You Want — Even If It’s Solo
Quit waiting around for flaky friends or hesitant partners to plan that trip. Travel alone, eat the weird food, get lost intentionally. Travel for yourself, not for Instagram followers or matching couple photos. Solo memories > group drama.
Going to Therapy — Not Just When You’re Falling Apart
Mental health is not a last resort, it’s an upkeep. Go for you, not to repair what someone else broke. It’s not weakness. It’s badass self-awareness. The strongest people unpack their baggage, not drag it into every room.
Loudly Celebrating Your Successes
Shut up about being “humble” all the time. You worked hard. You got it right. You’re entitled to your moment — even if it makes others uncomfortable. Make them cringe. You’re too busy succeeding.
Cutting Off Emotionally Draining People Without Guilt
If a person constantly makes you feel little, exhausted, or used – cut. them. off. You’re not a punching bag or a life coach. You don’t need a dramatic exit speech. Just leave. Block, unfollow, vanish. Guarding your energy isn’t “selfish” – it’s staying alive. Not everybody deserves a window to your peace.
Doing Cringe Stuff You Secretly Love
Still boy-band-obsessed? Dancing around your room to ’90s tunes? Composing terrible poetry? GOOD. Stop concealing the weird, “cringe,” childish aspects of yourself in order to be cool or mature. Life is too short to feign not to adore what you adore. Own the weird. Own YOU.
Going Off the Grid When You Need To
You don’t owe 24/7 access to anyone—not your friend, partner, family, or boss. Turn off your phone. Disappear for a while. Be unavailable. You’re not an emotional support vending machine. Sometimes the nicest thing you can do for yourself is disappear and breathe.
Saying Exactly What You Mean
Stop sugarcoating. Stop hinting. Stop hoping people read your mind. Say it straight. Whether it’s “I don’t want to hang out,” “I’m hurt,” or “This isn’t working,” speak like your throat matters. Clear is kind. And it’s also powerful as hell.
Unplugging Without Announcing It
You don’t need to post a “taking a break from social media” to legitimize going dark. Log off. Delete the app. Get outside. Feel some grass beneath your feet. The internet will be okay.
Starting Over — Even If It Makes No Sense to Others
Change careers at 40. End the marriage that’s clearly not working. Relocate to another country. Re-invent your damn self. You don’t require permission to make a shift, particularly if the life you are living does not fit anymore.
Prioritising Joy Over Productivity
Joy > grind. Always. Plan joy as if it were a hell of a business meeting. Paint. Dance. Sun-nap in the sun. Play with pups. Laugh until you wheeze. Stop living as if joy is something you can earn. You’re allowed to enjoy life—today, not someday.
Laughing Loudly, Crying Publicly, Feeling Deeply
You’re not “too much.” You’re just real. Express emotion without shrinking. Those who cringe at feelings can remain dull. Life is messy, and so are humans — accept the mess.
Forgiving Yourself for Things You Didn’t Know Then
Stop reliving old stages of yourself as cautionary tales. You made the best choices you could with the information and pain you had. That version of you didn’t know any better. Forgive them. Love them. You’re smarter now because of them. Bestow upon yourself the mercy you continue to show others.
Choosing Yourself First—Every Damn Time
Here’s the mic-drop truth: you can be your own priority. Not your job, not your family, not your relationship. YOU. Because when you make everyone else first, you end up last in your own life. Start choosing you, boldly, constantly, unapologetically.
15 Habits That Are Keeping You Stuck in a Miserable Life
If you feel unfulfilled, demotivated, or just plain stuck, it is time to take a closer look at the habits keeping you there. Below are some habits that could be preventing you from leading the best life possible.
15 Habits That Are Keeping You Stuck in a Miserable Life
19 Things You Stop Caring About After 60
You’ve spent decades adulting, people-pleasing, and stressing over things that now seem laughably pointless. But at 60? That filter becomes less thick, patience shortens, and the level of BS tolerance goes to zero. Here are 19 things people truly no longer care about at 60 – and trust us, it is motivating.
19 Things You Stop Caring About After 60