From an early age, we are bombarded with many different expectations and rules to follow. Get married before 28, have kids at 30, get a good job, stay close to your family, and many more. The thing is, why do we feel like we have to follow these rules, and why do we care so much about everyone else’s lives?

Since the birth of TV and then social media, we consume so much of other people’s lives, either fiction or real. The other thing is, the lives you see on social media aren’t exactly the full story. People share the best parts of life, because who would want to see the boring parts? That being said, we also want to stay “on trend” – a human condition is that we don’t want to be the odd one out. Hundreds and even thousands of years ago, being the ‘outcast’ didn’t end very well for that person. But now? I believe it’s highly encouraged, and I respect those people who don’t have social media and don’t adhere to social ‘norms’.

But who created those norms? Who had the right to create a template of life for everyone else to follow? Right, no one has that right nor the power to do so. So, why do we still feel like we have to follow them?

Here’s a tip. Live your own life! I know, easier said than done, but have you ever thought about how brilliant your life could be if you just did want you want to? Ditch the trends, your parents’ expectations, whatever your friends are doing. Rid your life of the urge to compare. We are all on a different life path, and it’s time we start living that way. Live your life for you, and only you.

Create a list of 10 rules to live your life by. Think of the different categories of life: personal growth, social life, finance, career, recreation and hobbies. What is important to you? I’ll share a few of mine below:

1. Prioritise yourself over anyone else – it can be hard to put yourself first sometimes, but trust me, only then can you flourish and become the best version of yourself
2. Give yourself permission to say no – you don’t always have to say yes to every event, extra work or commitment. You have the right to say no, for whatever reason
3. Create boundaries for your social life – sometimes being social is draining, and you need to set boundaries for other people in your life. It is also helpful to create boundaries for yourself. When you feel like it’s all getting too much, allow yourself time to rest and recover
4. Don’t settle for any less than you deserve – be it a job, a romantic relationship, or even friendship. You know your worth, and so you know what you don’t deserve.
5. Dreams change and that’s ok – we often put too much pressure on ourselves to make our younger selves proud with the dreams they had years ago. Sometimes dreams change and your life path change.

In conclusion, live your life the way you want to live, not how someone else wants you to live. If someone is holding you back, maybe it’s time to say goodbye to them. You need to protect your inner peace at whatever cost :)

What rules align with you here? Let me know in the comments or DM me!

Signing off,

Pepetoe x