Two weeks ago, I embarked on a journey of four days of nonstop music, fun, and acceptance. At least that's why my Bonnaroo experience entailed. For those who aren't aware, Bonnaroo is a four day music and arts festival that takes place in Manchester, Tennessee. Upwards of 80,000 people gather to celebrate life and music for a weekend every year here, and, this year, I got to be one of them.

As an avid music lover, the idea of attending a music festival on the scale that Bonnaroo immediately drew me in. With headliners like U2 (oh my gosh) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and smaller bands who are personal favorites, like Cage the Elephant, Glass Animals, and Mondo Cozmo, how could I not want this experience? A friend and I packed up the RV and set out on the 7-hour journey, not quite sure what was in store, but ready for whatever Bonnaroo had to throw at us. And, boy, did it (seriously, right from the get-go, I witnessed a wedding between two music lovers marrying at the main gates of before they began their four-day experience together. What's even cooler is a bunch of strangers gathering around to cheer them on and share such a special moment with these people. How cool is that?)

*Queue a cliche 'Bonnaroo-changed-my-life' story*

In all honesty, Bonnaroo changed so much about how I approach life, and it taught me a few things during my stay.

The people of Bonnaroo are weird and, honestly, I loved this. The second you walk through the gates, you're flooded with a sea of so many different people. Everyone is dressed how they please - homemade costumes, speedos, festival boho, some not even dressed at all and that's okay. Literally, no one on this 700-acre farm cared one bit what anyone thought about their wardrobe choices, and it was great. Bonnaroo's catch phrase is "Radiate Positivity", and with so many people owning their confidence, I found it hard not to be positive. Having little self-confidence myself, this meant a lot to me to see people love their bodies and have fun with them. I grew more comfortable to do things a little different each day after during my stay. It made me realize how absurd it is to care so much what other people think to the point that it keeps me from being happy.

Speaking of radiating positivity, your experience at Bonnaroo is 100% what you make of it and, in turn, the same goes for life. There were a lot of things going on at this festival not acceptable by society's standards, as well as the standards of some individuals there, surely. Through these rather bizarre experiences, I witnessed that you can either worry to death over things you don't agree with or ignore them and take them in stride with the festival experience while making your own enjoyment. You'll dampen your experience as well as the experience of the festival-goers you encounter if you focus on the negative too much.

Bonnaroo, in and of itself, is a culture, and there is honestly nothing like music festival culture. It's truly a one of a kind place where you are allowed to be yourself (or even someone you wish to be) with no judgment. It's a safe haven of strange, but also a haven of kindness. I've never been surrounded by so many kind, positive people who just have happy to be there as you. I'd give anything to live in a world where everyone was as accepting of the people of Bonnaroo, but I, unfortunately, don't... which is exactly while I'll be returning to Bonnaroo soon.

Until then, stay true 'Roo, fellow Bonnaroovians.