Hippie, flower child, free spirit, stoner, gypsy, I've been called it all. It may seem like these labels being flung around are insults or something to be ashamed of, but here are nine solid reasons why it's a compliment more than anything.

1. Good Taste in Music

Who doesn't love upbeat and positive music. When a free spirited hippie allows the music to touch their soul, it's a beautiful thing. Let the music wash over you and your dance moves flow through your limbs, there's beauty in your freedom.

"I believe in the good things coming" - Black as Night by Nahko and Medicine for the People

2. Lover of Nature

The trees and the mountains are home. There is safety in the bows of a tree and beauty in the grass swaying in the breeze. A walk in the woods is a perfectly suitable form of meditation. Let your soul be free, walk in the woods.

3. Know How to Adventure

Knowing how to take a break from the daily stressors of life and hang out with friends or experience the simple pleasures of life is often looked at as being lazy or wasting time. However it makes the work much easier and who doesn't love the thrill of an adventure?

4. Stand up for Beliefs

Vegan? Tree hugger? Homeopath? Whatever you believe, you don't let the opinions of others affect how you choose to live your life. If someone is going to tell you what you're doing is wrong you will have an argument to back up why you believe what you do.

5. Easy to Talk to

Although you tend to be defensive you are the first one to stick up for your friends. You are willing to listen and give suggestions of how to make them feel better. Hippie vibes may not be their thing but hey, you're trying.

6. Boho-Chic Style

Your style is naturally that of a free spirit. You dress in whatever is comfortable (maybe some flowers in your hair) and with what you like. In your room a tapestry, crystals, records, all things that have become "mainstream". This fact doesn't affect what remains in your life though. You had it before it was "cool" anyways (actually the 60s did).

7. Unique

You strive to be a unique individual, one who wanders off the beaten path every day and explores places untouched. Whether it be in music, fashion, or way of going about your day. There is something refreshing about your atmosphere.

8. Love Differently

Love is different for you. It's a very vulnerable feeling for you. It feels natural, as it should, and is never forced. You have lots of love that needs to be shared, for friends, family, and those in between and even for those who don't love back. There is a love for beauty of others souls rather than beauty of a face or body. It is a raw feeling that leaves you breathless in the most empowering way possible

9. Positive Outlook

Life is always about the positive aspects, the things that could go right. A smile will remain on your face despite the upset that has ensued. A rainy day turns into a time to jump in the puddles and look at the rainbow. Thunder and lighting become earth's natural fireworks.

Being a modern day hippie isn't always the easiest. No, you don't have to be high to be happy. Let the haters think what they want because you will go about life with a smile on your face and a path of changed lives behind you. Radiate your positive vibes and allow them to learn by example. Learn from a hippie: be kind, make love and not war, stand up for yourself and others, don't fear the judgement of others, it only makes you stronger. And hey, hippie, happy? Same thing.