5 Things I Stopped Explaining to People — And Why You Should Too
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There comes a point in life where you realize not everything needs an explanation — and not everyone deserves one. I used to spend so much energy trying to justify my choices, defend my goals, and explain why I live the way I do. Over time, I realized that people who truly support you don’t need all the details, and the ones who question you will never be satisfied no matter what you say.
Here are the five things I stopped explaining — and why letting go of those conversations has been so freeing.
1. How I Spend My Money
I used to feel like I had to justify every purchase. If I used coupons, some people assumed I was broke. If I bought myself something nice, they’d ask, “Do you really need that?” And if I invested in my blog or business tools, people wondered if it was “worth it.”
Here’s the truth: no one else knows my financial priorities. Couponing doesn’t mean I’m struggling — it means I’m smart enough not to pay full price. Treating myself doesn’t mean I’m careless — it means I value joy, even in small doses. And when I spend on my blog or creative work, that’s an investment in myself.
The reality is, money is personal. You don’t owe anyone a PowerPoint presentation on your budget. If it makes sense for your life, that’s all that matters.
2. Why I Take Breaks
We live in a culture that glorifies being busy. If you’re not grinding 24/7, people act like you’re lazy or unmotivated. I used to explain why I needed downtime: “I’ve been working so much,” or “I just need to recharge.” But now? I don’t justify rest to anyone.
Breaks are part of the process. They keep me from burning out. They help me come back more focused, more creative, and more present in my life. Rest isn’t wasted time — it’s the reason I can keep going.
And let’s be real: we’re human. We weren’t designed to operate like machines. Taking time to breathe, enjoy family, or just sit in silence doesn’t need a defense.
3. My Hustles and Side Projects
Blogging. Couponing. Crafting. Selling. Writing. Creating. I’ve always been someone who wears many hats. And honestly? Some people don’t get it. They think I should “pick one thing” or “focus on one job.” But that’s not me.
I thrive when I have variety. I love exploring different ways to create, share, and earn. Sometimes a hustle is about income, sometimes it’s just about joy. Either way, it doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but me.
The beauty of side hustles is that they’re personal. They don’t have to fit in someone else’s box. And if one thing doesn’t work, I can pivot. That flexibility is freedom — and freedom doesn’t need an explanation.
4. My Boundaries
This one was hard. I used to feel guilty for saying no. If someone asked for my time, I’d try to explain why I couldn’t. If I didn’t want to do something, I’d give a long story to make it sound reasonable.
But here’s what I’ve learned: “no” is a complete sentence. Setting boundaries isn’t about shutting people out — it’s about protecting my peace. I don’t need to justify why I won’t loan money, why I won’t overextend myself, or why I won’t answer my phone at midnight.
Boundaries are healthy. They’re necessary. And if someone gets upset when you set them, it’s usually because they were benefitting from you not having any.
5. My Dreams and Plans
This one is probably the most important. I used to overshare my goals. I’d tell people about the blog posts I wanted to write, the projects I wanted to start, or the vision I had for the future. And too often, I’d be met with doubt, criticism, or unsolicited advice.
Now, I’ve learned to protect my dreams. Not everyone will understand your vision — and that’s okay. Some people can’t see it until it’s real. Others project their fears onto you. But either way, your plans don’t need defending.
When it comes to my dreams, I let the results do the talking. I’d rather surprise people with what I’ve built than waste energy explaining something they’ll never truly get.
Closing Thoughts
The freedom that comes from not explaining yourself is unmatched. It doesn’t mean you’re cold or unapproachable — it just means you trust yourself enough to stand firm in your choices.
Life gets lighter when you stop living for other people’s approval. Spend your money how you see fit. Rest when you need to. Work on the projects that excite you. Say no when it protects your peace. And guard your dreams until they’re ready to shine.
Because at the end of the day, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for building a life that feels good to you.