I started this post a few months ago and ended up putting it on the back burner because I felt like it was unfinished and didn’t have a solid ending. I’ve looked at it multiple times since then, frowning at my computer screen and thinking I should have something more powerful or impactful to add before sending it out into the world, especially because this particular topic is the foundation of why I started this blog in the first place. But honestly, I’m tired of repeatedly looking at it. So, rather than lamenting the fact that this isn’t the literary masterpiece I originally intended it to be, I’m just gonna hit “Publish” and be done with it. I’d apologize for the shitty abrupt ending, but then that would defeat the whole purpose of this post now, wouldn’t it? Plus, I think we can all agree that the posts I write are often way too long anyway, so accept this as a gift of brevity.

What does it actually mean to be unapologetic? According to Dictionary.com, it means “not accepting fault or blame.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines unapologetic as “not sorry about having caused someone problems or unhappiness.” Wiktionary similarly defines unapologetic as “not apologetic for having said or done something that causes actual or potential harm, especially when being apologetic would be appropriate.” And the Urban Dictionary describes being unapologetic as “to be careless and not give a fuck after a certain situation.” Well, my definition of unapologetic doesn’t mean any of this shit.

For me, being unapologetic means fully and authentically embracing who I am and being true to my principles and beliefs, without having to explain or justify myself to others. It means not needing or wanting to present a false or edited version of myself in order to get people to like me. It means not compromising my own self-respect just to please others or to avoid confrontation. It means saying “no” and not caving to pressure from others when something is out of alignment with my core values.

Being unapologetic means recognizing and acknowledging what I will and won’t accept in my life. It means not allowing myself to feel guilty when I have to do the hard shit like letting go of people, relationships, and careers that no longer serve me. It means putting my self-worth ahead of needing to placate or make accommodations for people who don’t fit into the plan I have for my life. It means accepting that other people’s feelings, opinions, and criticisms aren’t my problem or my responsibility because the only thing I can control in my life is me.

Being unapologetic means taking accountability for my actions and behaviors and not placing blame or making excuses when I mess something up or when I don’t follow through on commitments I make to myself and others. It means outright owning my shit and accepting full responsibility for my life, taking the necessary steps to course-correct when I’m not happy with the outcomes I’m producing. It means trusting my instincts and not second-guessing myself. If I fuck up, I’ll fix it.

Being unapologetic means freedom in creating my own path in life. It means refusing to feel bad or guilty for the way I choose to live my life or the decisions that I make. It’s okay if others are disappointed in me and my choices because I’m not seeking their approval or validation to begin with. I’m making choices and doing what I believe is best for me, going after MY dreams and goals, not the dreams and goals that other people think I should be going after.

Being unapologetic means having the unwavering faith, personal conviction, and courage to stand strong in my own power and be the embodiment of my beliefs, even in the face of ridicule, fearmongering, and cancel culture. It means living and speaking my beliefs proudly. Out loud and with no hesitation, regrets, or remorse. Like the name of this blog and the podcast, I am “Unapologetically Outspoken.”

And I happily make no apologies for that.

Unapologetically Outspoken,

Tara