If there's one thing I hate, its people forming their opinions in life strictly around what they have been taught to believe from their family members or friends. Earlier this week I was thinking about some of the differing beliefs between myself and some of my family members and I started feeling bad for having a different opinion than they do. I was suddenly confronted with the reality that nobody can control what I believe except for me. Although I love my friends and family, there are just certain topics that we feel differently about, and that's okay.

People spend too much of their lives trying to impress others and worrying what others think of them when in reality, if people are truly a good part of your life, they'll stick around regardless of your different stances on things. I hear people my age talk about their political or religious views, yet when asked why they believe certain things their only response is, "Well, that's how I was raised." Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that people shouldn't have the same beliefs as their friends and family, I'm just saying only to share those beliefs if you truly believe them in your heart of hearts.

People think they have to stay caged into the bubble that they were born into, but you don't. This time in your life is meant to teach you about yourself and your own ideas. It's fine to make mistakes and learn from them, just make sure that you actually do learn from them. Don't let others control your happiness, and decide for yourself what you want to believe and what you value. Just because someone else votes for a certain candidate or believes a particular religion, doesn't mean that you have to. Your mind is the only thing that nobody else can copy, hold onto it and be proud of every single idea you have. Don't keep yourself in the bubble that is what you have always known. Branch out, seek other things, and make mistakes—they just might be your clarity. You don't have to be any certain way, and the people who matter will value your individuality. There will always be someone better than you or someone who doesn't like you, so why try to please that person when there's another one around the corner to take their place? Be your own inspiration—because you're the only one that can decide what you want to believe and where your life is headed. Learning yourself is the only true way to be happy.