10 things you don’t need to explain to anyone, according to psychology

Hey there, Lachlan Brown here, founder of Hack Spirit and a bit of a psychology enthusiast. Let’s talk about something that might shake up your social interactions – the things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for.

As we navigate through life, we often feel the need to justify our actions or decisions to others. But guess what? Psychology suggests there are certain things you never have to explain. And understanding these can be truly liberating.

In this article, I’ll be sharing with you 10 things you don’t need to explain to anyone. It’s all about empowering yourself and recognising that your life is yours to live – no explanations required. 

Let’s dive in. 

1) Your personal boundaries

We all have them. Those invisible lines that mark the limits of our comfort zones. I’m talking about personal boundaries, and they’re a fundamental aspect of our mental wellbeing.

Psychology tells us that setting and maintaining personal boundaries is essential for healthy relationships, both with others and ourselves. But here’s the kicker – you don’t owe anyone an explanation for where you draw your lines.

Whether it’s saying “no” to a social event or needing some alone time, your personal boundaries are not up for debate. They’re not selfish or unreasonable. They’re a reflection of your self-respect and mindfulness towards your own needs.

You don’t have to justify your boundaries to anyone. Practicing mindfulness involves respecting your own feelings and needs, and that includes setting boundaries without feeling guilty or obligated to explain them.

Stay true to yourself, because your sense of peace is priceless.

2) Your life’s path

Here’s a truth bomb for you – everyone has their own journey. And while it’s human nature to compare our paths with others, your journey is uniquely yours and doesn’t require explanation or justification to anyone.

I’ve been on my own unique journey, from founding Hack Spirit to exploring the depths of mindfulness, and I’ve learned that everyone moves at their own tempo.

Famed mindfulness teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn once said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

Such a simple yet profound reminder that we can’t control the course of life, but we can adapt and grow through its changes.

Whether you’re taking the road less traveled, shifting careers in your 30s, or choosing to stay single, remember – it’s your life, your path. And it’s not about where you’re going, but how mindfully you’re journeying. You owe no one an explanation for your chosen path.

3) Your spiritual beliefs

Spiritual beliefs are deeply personal and often form the core of who we are. They influence our perspectives, decisions, and how we interact with the world.

As a mindfulness enthusiast and founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve delved a lot into Buddhism as part of my spiritual journey. But let me tell you this – your spiritual beliefs are your own and you don’t owe anyone an explanation or justification for them.

Whether you’re an atheist, agnostic, spiritual but not religious, or follow a specific faith, it’s your journey. No one else has to understand or agree with it.

In fact, I explore this idea in depth in my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s an exploration into balancing personal growth and spirituality, but at no point do I suggest that my path should be everyone’s path.

Your spirituality is uniquely yours – no explanations needed.

4) Your self-care routine

We live in a fast-paced world where taking time for self-care is often viewed as indulgent, and people frequently feel the need to justify it. But let me tell you – self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Famed author Audre Lorde once said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

In practical terms, whether your self-care routine involves morning yoga, regular digital detoxes, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee before the day begins, it’s crucial for maintaining balance and managing stress.

When you turn down a social event because you need a quiet night in or choose to invest in a mindfulness course instead of hitting the sales, know that you’re prioritizing your wellbeing. And you don’t owe anyone an explanation for that.

5) Your core values

Your core values are the guiding principles that dictate your behavior and actions. They’re pivotal in understanding yourself, making decisions, and leading a fulfilled life. And guess what? You don’t have to explain them to anyone.

I’ve spent a good deal of time introspecting and defining my core values. From mindfulness to authenticity, these principles now guide my life choices and the work I do with Hack Spirit. Your values might be different, but that’s okay. They’re personal to you.

If you’re unsure about your core values, Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown offers a fantastic Defining Your Values Exercise. It’s a practical step towards understanding what drives you.

Whether you value adventure over security, or prefer solitude over socializing, remember they are your values. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for them.

6) Your lifestyle choices

From choosing to be a minimalist, going vegan, or living a nomadic lifestyle, your lifestyle choices are just that—yours. They’re part of your personal freedom and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for them.

Perhaps you’ve chosen to live car-free and cycle everywhere or you’ve chosen to homeschool your kids. These are decisions you’ve made based on your values, beliefs, and circumstances.

The practical part here is this: as long as your choices aren’t harming others, you’re entirely within your rights to live as you see fit. Make your choices, live your life, and remember – no explanations needed.

7) Your mental health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, if not more. And it’s something you should never feel obligated to justify or explain to anyone.

We all have our ups and downs. I’ve had my share of stressful days when mindfulness practices have been my lifeline. And it’s perfectly okay to not be okay sometimes.

Practicing mindfulness can help us navigate through these rough patches with grace and patience. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your mental health, seek therapy, or simply take a day off when you need it.

Your mental health matters, and you don’t need to explain that to anyone.

8) Your past

As the saying goes, “The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.” Your past, whether it’s full of triumphs or trials, has shaped you into the person you are today. But it doesn’t define your future or your worth.

Legendary poet Maya Angelou once said, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” This quote serves as a powerful reminder that our past experiences can be lessons, not life sentences.

You don’t owe anyone a detailed account or justification of your past. It’s your story to tell, in your own time and on your own terms.

9) Your relationship status

In a world obsessed with romantic relationships, it may seem counterintuitive, but your relationship status is something you don’t have to explain to anyone.

Whether you’re single by choice, in a non-traditional relationship, or just not in a rush to find “the one”, it’s entirely up to you. It’s okay to focus on self-love, personal growth, or building meaningful friendships.

I’ve personally found that being comfortable with oneself is the foundation of any healthy relationship. Whether you’re single or coupled up, your relationship status doesn’t define your worth or happiness.

There’s no need for explanations or justifications. Your relationship status is your business alone.

10) Your financial decisions

Managing finances is a personal matter, and your financial decisions are yours alone. Whether you choose to save, splurge, invest, or donate, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you handle your money.

The practical aspect here is simple – as long as you’re not incurring debt that you can’t handle or depending on others for financial survival, your money is yours to manage as you see fit.

So whether you’re saving up for a dream vacation, choosing to live frugally, or investing in a startup, remember – it’s your money, your decision. No explanations needed.

Conclusion

From your values and beliefs to your financial decisions, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you choose to live it.

Understanding this can be liberating. It’s about respecting your own feelings, needs, and decisions. And remember, each one of us is on a unique journey.

If you’re ever unsure about your core values that guide your actions, I encourage you to check out Jeanette Brown’s Defining Your Values Exercise. It can be a wonderful starting point towards self-understanding and empowerment.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to live authentically and mindfully, respecting our own boundaries and choices. Because, ultimately, we are the authors of our own lives.