Staying true to yourself is really hard. Especially in this decade. There are so many contributing factors for acting the way you do.

Maybe you buy certain clothes so people at school will like you or you talk poorly about a coworker because everyone else is and you want friends at the office. It all really just sucks either way but the most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to be true to yourself.

Or at least keep your best version of yourself in mind.

It's okay to not like someone at first and then change your mind about them later on. Judging a book by its cover is not always the right thing to do but it does happen, just don't be afraid to read the summary afterward. Give people a chance, you never know what's going on in someone else's mind or life, you don't know their battles.

Do what you want to do. If you want to try your hand at writing but you don't think you'll be good at it- just give it a shot. I mean look at me, a girl who hated English class now writing for one of the best media platforms possible. Join that sport, apply for that job, try out for that thing you've always been too intimidated to try. Be courageous enough to stand up to people who make you feel bad about things you enjoy. Better yet, be courageous enough to not even care and do it anyways.

If you actually hate gymnastics or playing that instrument that your parent is forcing you to participate in, TELL THEM. Do not suffer in silence anymore. Speak up for yourself and stand your ground. I know it's not always that easy and maybe doing it is better than the 'high way', but you'll never know until you try.

Be the youest-you you can be. I'm serious, don't let so many outside factors stop you from doing something you're passionate about.

If I thought about all the bad possibilities that could have happened when I wanted to do something and become a part of something bigger than myself, I wouldn't have all the great friends and new family members that I do. I wouldn't be able to participate in sports, in music, in life, and most importantly- I wouldn't be able to write about whatever I wanted.

If I had really let all the backlash and hate I have received, and will probably continue to receive in the future, because of articles I have written I would've missed out on such an amazing opportunity. I wouldn't have become a part of such an incredible community, I wouldn't have made new friends, and I definitely wouldn't have been able to share any stories or connect with any of you- which is what I'm all truly thankful for.

So be real with yourself.

Don't let others push you around or greatly influence you. Be your own person and do whatever is going to make you the happiest. Cause at the end of the day the only person you have to answer to is yourself. If you're not happy then what's the point?

You only get one life so stay true to yourself and try not to mess it up so bad.

Be brave. Be kind. Or don't. JUST. BE. YOU.