The most important thing in my life is that people around me are always cared about and that they always know that. I have strived and will continue to strive for the rest of my life to make sure the most important people in my life never feel like they’re alone. Yes, that means sometimes I let my own feelings fall by the wayside, but I really see nothing wrong with that.

My entire life, people have told me that I should try to focus on myself more. I’ve been told it’s great to be kind, but I will get screwed over by life (and people) if I don’t focus on myself more.

Well, to hell with those people. Pardon the language, but it’s true. I will never, ever in my life intentionally put myself in front of others if I know that the outcome for them would be worse in comparison to what it would be if I put them first. I can’t comprehend why you would want to intentionally hurt someone for your benefit. Especially if you care about them.

I truly believe that people are good at heart and that people won't try to purposely hurt me or inconvenience me. I know so many people are exceptions to this rule, but I will still give humanity the benefit of the doubt. That's the right thing to do.

I get that what I’m saying is kind of abstract, so I’ll put it into a concrete scenario. Let’s say Betsy has been studying for a month for the chemistry exam that we’re about to have, and she’s still completely lost. I’ve been studying for a couple days, and know I need more studying, yet I could probably pass without it. Betsy asks me for help studying, and while I know it won’t really help me, I also know that it’ll help her immensely, so I say I’ll help.

I know that helping Betsy might hurt me, but since I’m helping her, I don’t care.

I get that this is a weird way to look at things, but honestly, it’s just who I am. I won’t always make this decision, but most of the time the fact of the matter is that I don’t care how my choices affect me as long as they’re helping someone else.

So many of my friends call me "mom," and I am truly thankful for that. A mother is supposed to be someone who gives unconditional care. That is who I want to be to anyone and everyone. It is who I am.

Stop telling me that I need to think about myself sometimes. I do think about myself, often. And I know that I can't help others unless I am mentally sound. Still, this is what makes me happy. It's what keeps me mentally sound. I believe I am on the earth to make others' lives easier. And that is exactly what I plan to do, forever.

This is what makes me, me. And I will not change this part of me, no matter what happens. No matter how many times I am hurt because of it.

This is me, and I will not apologize for it.