Hands up if you're a people pleaser? Many of us are, and we find ourselves saying 'sorry' even when we’ve done nothing wrong. It's both a common British and a common female trait. Now, don’t get us wrong, having the humility to admit to mistakes is an admirable quality, but there are certain things that you should NOT feel guilty or sorry about.
It’s time to live the life you really want, to be your authentic self, starting by never apologising for these things.
You only have one life. Yes, we know it’s a cliché, but it’s also the truth. No matter how big or small your dream, if you don’t try to make it a reality you’ll never know how things could have worked out, so go for it. Don’t leave it until it’s too late and live with the regret of what might have been.
You’ve earned it, so own it! You’ve worked hard and you deserve to celebrate that promotion, or that award, or that sale... whatever shape your success takes. If you worked for it, you deserve it! Acknowledge your accomplishments and celebrate your success with pride. You should never allow the insecurities of those around you to undermine your achievements.
Don’t feel guilty for doing something just for you, something that makes you happy and that keeps you healthy. Prioritising your own wellbeing is a necessity, not a luxury, and the benefits will be felt not just by you but by all of those around you. Cue the oxygen mask metaphor, because it is so true - if you run out of oxygen you can't help anyone else put their mask on, and this is also true when it comes to self care. If you don't look after yourself, you will struggle to care for other people. Put simply, we all deserve some me-time in our everyday lives.
We all need a helping hand at some point in our lives, and should never feel bad for having the strength to reach out and ask for help. Yet it is something that many people struggle with, possibly through fear of being judged or appearing weak. But we are all vulnerable at times and there is a lot of support available to us here in Guernsey. You just have to ask.
You don’t have to do everything that is asked of you! Going along with things when you don’t really want to, whether it’s a work thing or even a night out with friends, can leave you feeling exhausted and resentful. We spend a lot of time bending to the needs of others… it’s a sign of strength to take control of your life and simply say 'no'! Take the power.
Surround yourself with people who support you and believe in you. Don’t feel bad for leaving relationships that are unhealthy or full of needless drama. You are not responsible for the actions of others, and it’s ok to distance yourself from someone if their behaviour is having a negative or harmful effect on you.
We are all unique. We all have our quirks. We all have strengths and weaknesses that give us our own special identity… and the world is a better place for it. Just do you. Stay true to yourself and never apologise for being YOU!