We all put up walls. It stems from a worry of judgment from others; a worry that some part of ourselves would be mocked or made out to be “different”. We put on a mask or put up a front to hide our true selves and to appear more like everyone else.

Along the way, we sometimes lose ourselves. We have become so much like what we think people want us to be that we don’t know who we are anymore. Or we are stifled underneath the façade. We hide what makes us so unique and special.

So I propose we take the walls down. Take off the mask and light it on fire. There will always be people who are going to judge you and say mean things. That is a sad and uncontrollable fact of the world. Let those people say what they want. It’s only because they wish they could look or be more like you; or perhaps it’s because they are hurting from their own insecurities and need to take it out on others to feel better. Their opinion only causes you harm if you let it.

Own what makes you different and exciting. You act goofy? Be goofy. You love sci-fi? Great! It doesn’t matter if someone else thinks less of what makes you, you. The people who truly care for you won’t care about those differences and eccentricities. They might even share them! Your true friends will love those unique quirks. They may laugh when you’re goofy, but it won’t be from a place of malicious intent. It will because they think it’s great and love you even more for it.

In my opinion, Dr. Seuss said it best “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” It’s the trust thing I’ve come across. The earlier you can let go of the worry about what others think, the happier you can be.