SOCIAL MEDIA

hope’s happiness guide

5Things In My Life That I Make No Apology For

Women have been told by society that they can “have it all” — careers, families, Instagram-ready meals made in Pinterest-inspired kitchens, supple skin and great figures — but the reality is difficult to achieve at best. Social media personality Chenese Lewis is here to remind us how we can live the guilt-free lives we deserve.

By Chenese Lewis

DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR:

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Failing to meet unrealistic expectations Outdated societal expectations and double standards, especially for women, are still alive; whether it be European beauty standards that celebrate thinness or expectations that women be soft-spoken and downplay their their accomplishments or assume all women desire marriage and children. Don’t attempt to live your life by trying to meet others’ expectations of you. It is a guaranteed way to be unhappy. Live life on your own terms, unapologetically!

Saying no Make no apologies for telling someone no. If you say yes to everything, you will end up being exhausted, physically and mentally. Say goodbye to being a people pleaser and learn how to confidently say no to someone without feeling bad about it. Remember that “No” is a complete sentence that doesn’t need an explanation. Learn to be comfortable saying no and refuse to be stressed out unnecessarily.

Setting boundaries You must create boundaries. Healthy boundaries are set in place to ensure your mental and emotional stability. Unhealthy boundaries cause emotional pain that can lead to dependency, depression, anxiety and even stress-induced physical illness. It is empowering to create healthy boundaries, so practice self-care and self-respect by setting boundaries for yourself and all your relationships.

Changing your mind You should not feel ashamed about or apologize for changing your mind. Sometimes you find out more information that enables you to make a better-informed decision. Other times, you have to sleep on it, and your gut tells you that you made the wrong decision. Unless you have a signed contract, you are entitled to change your mind. You have to do what’s best for you, and sometimes this includes changing your mind to avoid situations with potentially bad outcomes.

Putting yourself first Focusing on yourself is not selfish — it is essential. You cannot pour into others from an empty cup. Putting yourself first and taking care of yourself means not always putting others’ wants and needs before yours, taking time to do something you’re passionate about, asking for help when you need it and making time to rest and rejuvenate. You have to advocate for yourself when no one else will. Put yourself first by focusing on projects that feed your soul, staying away from negative people, eating healthier and taking breaks when they are needed. Z

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Photo by: Meka Matthews; Hair & Make-up: D’Shanye Washingtone

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Chenese Lewis is a host, multi-media personality, speaker, podcaster, and influencer. Learn more about her online at CheneseLewis.com and follow her on Instagram at @CheneseLewis.