Like hundreds of other people out there, I am a people pleaser. I have spent a majority of my life trying to live up to the standards that others have set for me. I would work tirelessly to make sure that I fit the mold that society and the people around me expected me to fit in. I would compromise parts of myself out of fear that people would not love and respect me because of those things. The longer I did this, the unhappier I was with myself and the things I was doing.

I would justify doing things that I downright hated by telling myself that this is what I was supposed to be doing. I would tell myself that I had to make sure everyone liked me. If one person didn't, it would eat me up inside. Recently, though, I've finally had enough. At the beginning of this year, I began living for me and doing the things that made me happy. I let go of my fears that people would judge me or dislike the person I am, and amazing things have started to happen.

I saw changes in myself that I never imagined were possible. I watched myself grow more sure of myself. I watched my strength blossom into full blown courage. I felt my ambition grow. I heard the confidence in my voice reach new levels I had never known before. I felt my passions and let them show. I was no longer afraid to speak up, speak out, or stand alone. I looked in the mirror and learned to love the parts of me that I was always ashamed of.

I also noticed a difference in my interactions with other people. Sure, some people didn't stick around and that was difficult for me to accept, but others flocked in to take their place. The right types of people were drawn to me. They would tell me that it was inspiring to be around someone who isn't afraid to be who they are. In accepting myself, I was able to be a better friend. I was able to be a rock, a shoulder to cry on, and a safe place for advice and late night rant sessions.

While I'm nowhere near done with learning about myself and learning to live for me, I've discovered a lot. I've discovered that it's okay if someone doesn't like me. I've discovered that it's okay to be quirky. I've learned that it's okay to put my happiness above the happiness of others sometimes. I've learned that I am allowed to be proud of myself for the big accomplishments, the small moments, and everything in between. The most self destructive thing I have ever done is worry about the opinions of people who don't matter, and I'm here to stand up and say no more. I have ignited a fire in myself that can never again be put out by another person.