Everyone has something they're passionate about. Whether it be something not so out-of-the-ordinary like a sports team, a certain musician or a hobby such as photography, there is always something every person is especially vested in.

You can always tell how much a person cares about their passion by the way they become so animated and excited when talking about it. The way their eyes light up and their mouth runs a mile a minute shows how much they truly enjoy whatever it is they're so ardent about. Even observing someone talking about whatever they're passionate about, I often find myself also becoming absorbed in the topic.

Expressing our passions is important because it allows us to share a piece of ourselves with the world. We allow others to see inside our minds and what brings us joy. On top of that, by voicing our passions we give others the chance to share the happiness it brings us.

Yet some people don't allow themselves the opportunity to voice their passions. They hide it because they're embarrassed, whether it be because they think it might be seen as "weird" or "boring" or "nerdy" or too "different." They might believe they'll be criticized or seen differently. So instead of talking about what excites them with others, they shove it down and keep it hidden away.

It is within everyone's instincts to want to be accepted by our peers. Nobody wants to be judged or seen as an outcast. We all want to seem at least somewhat "cool," "normal," or at least not totally strange. This is especially true in this time of our lives, wherein the gap between still being teenagers and becoming young adults, we struggle with still wanting to fit in and just not caring about the validation of others.

If someone asks about something concerning ourselves or our interests that we find embarrassing, we may brush it off by saying "Oh, it's stupid." We teach ourselves to suppress it, to internalize our own feelings about something that very well make us the happiest person on earth. By calling our passions "stupid," we invalidate ourselves and something that is a part of who we are.

How do we stop something that might be second nature by now? How do we convince ourselves that no matter how different it may be, our interests are not bizarre, embarrassing, or something someone would negatively judge?

The importance of catching ourselves when we begin to criticize our passions is vital. Realizing that if it makes us happy, it isn't stupid is the best way to remedy our self-respect and ability to see past the acceptance of others. No more calling our passions "stupid" or seeing them as something to be hidden. Forget your fears of being laughed at or seen differently. Whatever it is that interests you and makes you content, whether it be a little out of the ordinary or not, voice it. Share it with the world, and remember that if you like it, it is never stupid.

Express your passions, because if it makes you happy it is always worth the respect of others.