Ever since I graduated high school and started college, I started to lose myself. I became more dependent on people and how they see me and what they thought of me. I’ve realized, though, that I’m done letting people tell me what to wear, who I can be friends with, when I can go out, and what I can do. I am becoming my own person again.
I am no longer taking anyone’s “crap.” I will be the strong woman I once was and I am not letting anyone take me down again. I have always been someone who cares so much about other people, but this year I decided this is when I am going to focus on me. I want to be happy again. That will happen if I do these ten things every day:
1. Wear clothes I feel confident in
I will not let what people think of my clothes or how I look in them define what my style is and what I want to wear everyday, whether it is sweatpants or dress clothes. Each day I will wear whatever I feel comfortable and confident in.
2. Dance it out
Grey's Autonatomy taught me this lesson. You should always dance it out like no one is watching. Every good moment needs to be celebrated. Dance it out in whatever way you want. Even if there isn't any music, have your moment.
3. Go to the gym almost every day
Everyone knows hard work and a good workout automatically improves your day. I plan on going to the gym at least six times a week and I plan on reaching my goals.
4. Focus on my classes as well as having fun
School is the reason I am where I am. This semester, I want to make Dean's List for the first time and I will stay more organized and have better time management. Since I may have only a few more semesters left, I want to have the highest grades so I can get far in my career.
5. Go out once a week
I was held back from doing a lot of things with my teammates and my friends. I wasn't able to go out or just do something fun. This semester I am changing that. Whether it's a simple trip to Moe's or actually going out and dancing my heart out, I am no longer letting opportunities pass me by.
6. Eat better
Eating better is the key for me. I need to stop eating junk at 2am and start eating balanced and healthy meals. I know in the long run I'll look and feel better about myself.
7. Smile
Smiling makes anyone feel better. I am going to start finding the good in the day rather than focus on the bad. Smile about even the smallest of things. Even if things look like they will never get better, I'm just going to remember to smile and find the one good thing and revolve my day on that.
8. Don’t focus on other people’s opinions
I am done listening to what people think of my shirt or worrying about how bad I look after the gym. The point is I am making myself better and I can't let other people's opinions shape me because I am more than that.
9. I won't apologize for being who I am
I am the girl that loves to dance around and cackles every time someone says something funny. I am happy being me and I am going to make sure that is known. No one can take myself away from me again.
10. Be Me
I am going to let all of me shine and no one is going to get in my way. All my goals and dreams I know I will achieve because of who I am, and who I love to be. If anyone asks for advice on anything, the answer is simple just be you.
I realized the last few months I had completely lost myself. I was the type of girl that would always push boundaries. If someone told me I could never do something, I would laugh and go do it anyway. Having an attitude like that got me where I wanted to be. But somewhere along the way, that girl disappeared. I became more quiet and easily controlled. I wasn't the girl who was a free-spirit and fought for everything she wanted. When I noticed this, I knew I needed to make a change.
And that change begins now.
