If you are like me, you can often times be your own biggest critic. Sure, there is nothing wrong with being self-aware, but there is never a reason to beat yourself up.
Trust me, I do lots of stupid stuff, and I do it on a fairly regular basis. Perfect example: yesterday I was walking to my truck, and about 15 feet from my front door I hear what I can only described as “the flapping of the wings of doom” coming from behind me. I was convinced that some form of winged hell spawn was swooping down from above (or maybe just a rabid owl). So, I did what anyone would do: I yelled “death from above!” And dove into my front yard like I was jumping out of the blast radius of a grenade…
Yeah, it was a kite that was stuck in the tree of my neighbor’s yard, and they happened to be outside, and they saw the whole thing.
I’ve come to accept the fact that I’m going to have a “face palm” moment at least once a day.
So my personal goofiness aside, here are ten things that you don’t need to beat yourself up about.
1. Saying NO
In life, you’re going to have to say no. Some choices to say “no” are easier than others, but never let yourself, or anyone else for that matter, make you feel bad about putting your foot down and saying “no”. The next time your deadbeat buddy needs to borrow $100 dollars for “scientific research”, just say “no”, and don’t feel bad about it.
2. The OCCASIONAL Comfort Food Binge
They call it “comfort food” for a reason. They don’t call it “feel guilty for a week” food, so don’t feel guilt if you partake in the occasional caloric fiesta. Sometimes in life you just need something smothered in gravy, it is good for the soul. Moderation here is the key, as it is in a lot of aspects of life.
3. Being Lazy
I’m probably way more guilty of this than anyone, but honestly – when you get to the point that you just don’t want to do anything, it’s because you’re exhausted. There is nothing wrong with laying in bed and watching Netflix for a day after a long week of work. Laying in bed EVERYDAY and watching Netflix might be a bad decision though.
4. Walking Away From Your Cell Phone
Nothing that goes on in the world of Facebook is going to change your life. Putting your cell phone down and just enjoying the world around you is one the hardest things for people these days. I was sitting on a patio having a beer the other night, and there were entire tables of people just sitting there playing with their phones and not talking to each other. You’re not that important, and if someone gets mad at you for not responding to a message, tell them to come say it to you in person.
5. Your Living Situation
25, and living with your parents? Who’s business is it that you wanted to save some money after college? Living with a roommate? It’s cheaper. I live with my best friend, and I love it. Maybe you have a tiny apartment full of cats? It’s your place, you don’t have to impress anyone. If someone doesn’t like your living situation, remind them that they don’t live in it, and that it is just fine for you.
6. Saying what is on your mind
This is another one that I personally struggle with, as I was born without that filter that exists between someone’s brain and mouth. That is why writing has always been my most trusted outlet, because I can go back and un-type something. You can’t un-say things. Now, I’m not saying that this gives you the permission to go off and be a free-range asshole, but if you are passionate about something – speak your mind. I promise you there are more people in your life that will benefit from what you have to say, than there are people who will be offended.
7. Spending Money
Retail therapy is as complex as the “comfort food” idea. Sure, sometimes a man has a bad week of work, and just needs to buy a fishing pole (me personally). Rewarding yourself with a purchase can be functional in life, again, in MODERATION. Spending your entire paycheck on the latest techno gadget is not an effective form of retail therapy.
8. Being Single
All of your married friends or your friends in relationships seem to think it is their job to find you your life’s match. It’s not. Your mother pestering you about grandchildren, although annoying, should never be a source of real guilt. It is no one else’s life to live but yours, and sometimes the people around you need to be reminded of that. Waiting to find the right relationship is so much more fulfilling than rushing a relationship simply based on pressure from people around you.
9. Your Imperfections
No one is perfect. No one is even close to perfect, so quit worrying about whatever it is that YOU see as imperfect, and focus on just being yourself. Sure, I weigh more than I should, sometimes there is popcorn in my beard, and I have a tendency to lose my pants -doesn’t mean that I am a bad guy. Stop thinking there is something wrong with you, because there isn’t. You are amazing just the way you are.
10. Your Beliefs
Once again, it’s your life, live it how you want to. Whatever religious, political, moral, or social beliefs you have shape you as a person, and no one deserves to be able to take that away from you – including you. Don’t be afraid to step out of the main stream of what people think, and think for yourself. You’re not weird, you’re unique.
I’ll say it again, you’re amazing just the way you are. I for one, can’t stress that enough. So be you, and love you, and don’t feel bad for doing what it is that makes you – YOU.
Related: Looking Back: 4 Things You’ll Regret Doing in the Near Future
