Over the past couple months, life has been a bit of a roller coaster. I have seen friends leave, people change, and ideas misinterpreted; many ups, some downs, and a few unexpected turns. But through this ride, one motto, has reiterated itself more than it ever had previously.

Be You.

Although life sometimes seems unreal, whether it's incredibly awesome or extremely rough, staying true to who you are is crucial. Not only is being yourself the one thing making us all different as people, but it is important for your own happiness. When you begin to lose your individual distinctiveness, you become caught up in what everyone else is doing and not focusing on your own improvements and successes. Not trying to sound selfish; believe me, I put many other people's happiness before my own (which may be my downfall), but it is important to do things and count on your own beliefs which make you feel good.

It comes in all different aspects: Work, play, music, entertainment, hobbies, religions, style, etc. If you like Beethoven, jam out to that. If you like Slayer, rock on (and possibly invest in a head-banging relief supplement). If you want to paint on your day off from work, channel your inner Picasso and go for it. If mowing your lawn is your calming release, crank the mower up and push (or ride) like you're on the John Deere commercials.

The point I'm getting at is – don't let someone or something strip you from what you aspire to do or believe in. These different beliefs and actions is what contributes to creativeness in society and allows us to view experiences from different perspectives and become more understanding.

"I believe that one defines oneself by reinvention. To not be like your parents. To not be like your friends. To be yourself. To cut yourself out of stone."

- Henry Rollins