The Rebel in Me: Vikki’s Rules

 By the time you hit your 40s, you’ve been through enough battles to know exactly what you don’t want anymore. And if you’re anything like me, the rebel in you starts to speak up louder than ever.

I don’t mean rebel like teenage sulking or breaking curfew — I mean rebel as in finally refusing to play small, be quiet, or bend to other people’s rules. I’ve tried that, it sucked, and I’m done.

So here they are — Vikki’s Rules.

1. No More Dictators

Not in love, not at work, not in my family. If you think bossing people around equals leadership, or love means control, you can jog on.

2. My Energy is Expensive

If it drains me, it’s too costly. I don’t care if it’s a person, a job, or a bad habit — if it leaves me empty, I’m out.

3. Peace Over People-Pleasing

I used to twist myself into a pretzel trying to make everyone else comfortable. Now? I’d rather disappoint someone else than betray myself.

4. Fun is Not Negotiable

Laughter, silliness, joy — these are survival skills. Life’s too short to be serious all the damn time.

5. Freedom Above All

Freedom in my choices, my time, my money, my body. That’s the north star. Everything else is background noise.

The rebel in me isn’t about being reckless — it’s about reclaiming my life. It’s about living by my rules, not someone else’s.

So if you’re reading this and nodding along, maybe it’s time you write your own rulebook. Because honestly? By this stage of life, following other people’s rules isn’t brave — it’s boring.

The rebel in me says: no more dictators, no more guilt, no more wasted years. My life, my rules.