I have constantly been told I am just "misunderstood" throughout my life.

Whether it was in my dance career, my school life, my family life, or even my workplace.

That is what I was labeled as. Simply "misunderstood".

But what does that mean? What am I doing besides being myself to earn this title?

You ask me to be a leader, to show my leadership qualities but when I do that I am too much, too ambitious, stepping on people's toes. Misunderstood.

You told me to always be truthful and speak my mind but when I step up and speak out it is criticized. Misunderstood.

I tell you when you hurt me but it is somehow my fault, I am to blame for the wrongdoing of another. Misunderstood.

It is a constant battle of trying to be my authentic, bold self while trying to be understood by society.

To wear my heart on my sleeve or to be a silent, complicated, unreadable person.

To speak out or remain in silence to be thought of as unhappy, snobby, shy. Misunderstood..

Should I choose my conscience and be myself or should I appease society?

"Misunderstood" does not define you. Be bold. Speak out. Be authentic. Wear your heart on your sleeve.

At the end of the day, you only have yourself and you should be exactly who you are and nothing less.