There comes a time when you start to notice yourself slipping. Sipping away from your goals, dreams and health. It happens, and sometimes we don’t find our way back. That's why it’s important to have your best interest at heart and make your way down the path you want, not what someone else wants.

One of the hardest things to learn is to advocate for yourself. Lots of the time, we let other people use us. Sometimes we don't even notice it, because we were taught to always give. The bad part about this is that we give until we cannot give any more. This makes it harder and harder to focus on our own happiness.

We begin to get stressed out and wonder if we are still on the right track. We are continuously wondering what to do next, so we that don't hurt the people around us. Though, what a lot of people don't realize is that lifting yourself up will also lift others around you.

Being healthy is not just eating right and regular exercise; trying to stay mentally healthy is just as important. Even saying “no” to something because you know it's not right for you is sticking up for yourself. Lots of times people can get bullied into things they do not want to do or that they know is not right for them. Just remember your well being is more important than anything. Not taking care of yourself means you cannot help anyone else, so in a sense, thinking of yourself first is not really all that selfish.

Instead of always doing what others want you to do, try making yourself happy once in a while. Do something every day that makes you happy, even if it's small. You are the only one who can always be there for yourself. Every day look for the good in something, even if you have to do something you don't want to.

So go out and enjoy college; take a walk while it's sunny, drink your favorite coffee or tea, take those yoga classes every Tuesday, go see that movie you’ve always wanted to see, and have a great time doing what's best for you.

The reality is, going against the crowd is easier said than done, but it's time to advocate for yourself and make sure you succeed at what you want to do. Even if this means others look down upon you or disagree with your choices. It's not easy, but it is worth it in the end. Never feel guilty for taking care of yourself.