1. My emotions
No. Nope. I will take ownership of them. I give myself permission to feel whatever arises. And if you are important to me, I am going to tell you how I feel. What you choose to do with that information is your business.
2. My body
I will take up all the space I damn see fit. I will wear all the crop tops and vertical stripes my heart desires, whether you find it “flattering” or not. I am not here for your viewing pleasure or to fit into society’s stereotypical standards of beauty.
3. My imperfections
My fears and insecurities, they are a part of me, in all their messy glory. By not denying or disowning parts of ourselves, we allow ourselves to be whole. In the words of Brene Brown, “Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.”
4. Telling the truth
I’m going to tell you the truth. And the truth doesn’t care to be nice. The truth just is and the truth is kind and respectful because it is the truth, even when it hurts.
5. Being assertive
Oh, hell no. My priorities, ambitions, and vision are more important than tiptoeing around your feelings. And I won’t apologize for this either, but I will be respectful.
6. How I spend my money
You know what they say, opinions are like assholes, everyone’s got one, especially when it comes to money: your mom, your grandma, your friends, your boyfriend. You get to choose how you spend your money, based on your own personal values and priorities. If spending your hard earned money on a dream vacation sets your soul on fire, do it. If saving up to buy a house fans your flames, go for it. If spending half your paycheck on front row tickets to a Beyonce concert makes you happy, rock and roll.
7. Unfriending someone
And I am not just referring to social media. I don’t need to be everyone’s friend. I don’t want to be everyone’s friend. All I have to be, according to my own standards, is a kind-hearted woman of integrity. I get to choose how I show up in the world, and investing myself in people who lower my vibration is not on my list of things to do.
8. Not explaining myself
I don’t owe you a damn explanation. But if I feel inclined to share one with you, I will.
9. Loving myself
I love me some me. I release the idea that loving myself is arrogant or narcissistic. The more I love myself, the more I can healthily love everyone and everything around me. After all, the way we treat others is a reflection of how we treat ourselves.
10. Taking my time
“Go to school, get married, buy house, have baby,” says who? Give yourself all the time you need. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here exploring, creating and living an intentional life of my dreams based on my priorities and values.
Thought Catalog