Say it LOUD, Say it PROUD; It's MY LIFE!

Have you ever stopped in front of a mirror and asked yourself who am I? Have you ever felt lost or stuck and didn’t know which direction to go? Every day you wake up and don’t even want to get out of bed.

You’re not alone If you have ever felt stuck or sick of that everyday routine. Every day you wake up and dread getting out of bed. You probably don’t even know why.

I can’t speak for everyone but just hear me out... Individualism is scarce these days. Real individualism anyways. So is authenticity. Why is this? Everything we know, everything we believe, and everything we like, or dislike in some way have been influenced by our parents, family, friends, communities, and environments.

Since birth, we learn what to say, what to do, how to act, how to think, what to eat and drink, whom to surround ourselves with, and what to believe.

If you’re lucky enough to have parents that let you dance to the beat of your own drum like I did but still very active and involved parents, then maybe you have a better sense of who you are as an individual.

Others however have parents that tell their children what to wear, what friends to have, what music to like, what movies to watch, and how to think, speak, and act. By no means am I saying that there is anything wrong with this, but this is where children lack in individualism, creativity, and finding a form of self-expression. Into adulthood, these Same individuals struggle with going after their dreams or passion out of fear that they’ll disappoint their loved ones. You miss out on experiences that make you, you. By finding out different foods you might like, other styles you look good in or even better, feel good in, the music you like, hobbies, talents, movies, and the list goes on. The bright side is that as an adult you can step out of the box, which we call our comfort zone. Try new things, wear new clothes, try new food, hang out with rebels, and dye your hair pink! Every girl should do this once in their life lol I’ve even dyed mine turquoise, but this is beside the point.

Experiences shape us and more importantly, they teach us about ourselves. If you never get out of your city or state, how will you know that traveling is what soothes your soul or that starting a food blog is your favorite hobby? If you never pick up a paintbrush, how will you ever know you’re an artist? For those of you struggling with going to college to make your parents happy or doing the thing that gives you life… CHOOSE LIFE! You’re the one that is going to pull yourself out of bed every day. You might disappoint your parents, but they’ll get over it. The people that love you wholeheartedly will love you no matter what and the ones that don’t, you don’t need them in your life. YOUR LIFE… it’s your life! One day you’re going to wake up and realize there comes a time you must be selfish and do what is best for you and not anyone else. That is completely Okay! otherwise, you’ll keep waking up every morning dreading the day and that is not okay. Life is about finding your purpose and you cannot find that purpose by pleasing everyone but yourself. You cannot find It based on the wants and needs of others or their opinions. You find it by trying new things, broadening your horizons, traveling, learning, taking opportunities, and ultimately doing whatever the hell you want! So go do it! And always remember in a world where you can be anything BE KIND!