You Do Not Owe Anyone An Explanation

Hey there. There is a moment that shows up when you start doing things differently. It might be changing how you eat after years of dieting. It might be lifting weights in a way that finally feels supportive instead of punishing. It might be stepping away from extremes and deciding you want something calmer and more sustainable. That moment often comes with confusion from other people.

Not everyone is going to understand why you are changing. Not everyone is going to understand why you stopped doing what you used to do. And that can feel uncomfortable, especially if you have spent most of your life explaining yourself, justifying your body, or defending your choices.

Here is something I have learned over time. Explaining yourself is a choice.

Letting someone into your goals, your thinking, and your process is a privilege. It is not something everyone automatically gets access to. When you are on a long term weight loss or health journey, this becomes very clear. Some people only understand fitness through extremes. Some people only understand food through restriction. Some people only feel comfortable when you stay exactly how you have always been.

That does not mean you are wrong.

In fitness, this shows up when you stop chasing quick results. You might decide to focus on consistency instead of intensity. You might decide to eat in a way that fits your real life instead of following the newest plan. When someone questions that choice, it is easy to feel like you owe them an explanation. Most of the time, you do not.

This goes far beyond fitness.

The same thing happens when you change careers, set boundaries, or start prioritizing your mental health. Growth often creates distance. That distance is not a failure. It is a sign that you are moving forward.

I see a lot of people exhaust themselves trying to be understood by everyone. They spend energy explaining their food choices, their workouts, their schedule, their goals, and their pace. That energy would be far better spent building trust with themselves.

When you stop over explaining yourself, things get quieter. You make decisions based on alignment instead of approval. You move through your days with less friction. You stop asking for permission to live your life.

This is a big part of the inside/out approach I talk about so often. When you trust yourself first, your actions follow. You do not need to convince everyone else. You need to stay connected to why you are doing what you are doing.

If you have spent years trying to change your body because you were led to believe you were not good enough as you were, I want you to hear this clearly. You always were good enough. This journey is not about proving your worth. It is about choosing a way of living that supports you.

You are allowed to grow without explaining every step. You are allowed to change without defending it. You are allowed to build a life that makes sense to you.

If you are ready to stop navigating this alone and want guidance that respects your pace, your preferences, and your whole life, I would love to support you. You can learn more and join The YLF Experience here.