I think we live a society that is trying to mold each person into some kind of robot. There are very few people who are original—who don’t fall into the mainstream. I don’t know if it’s fear of being shut out or harassed or bullied because you’re different, but just be the real you no matter what because that’s the best you that you can be. The media has brainwashed us into believing that the mainstream is what everyone likes and should be a part of,

But individuality is a gift. Embrace it.

If you’re a girl and you don’t want to wear makeup, then there’s no rule that says you have to. Just because your friend takes an hour to contour and highlight doesn’t mean you have to do the same. The media has told girls over and over that they’re not beautiful unless they cake their face in makeup. I have seen several posts on Twitter that accuse girls of “lying” about what they look like by wearing makeup because they’re “ugly” when they are bare-faced. THIS IS WHAT MAKES GIRLS SELF-CONSCIOUS. Stop, stop, stop telling us that makeup is the only thing that makes us beautiful because THAT makes YOU look ugly.

If you’re a girl or a guy and you want to cover your skin in ink, then do it. If you want to pierce holes into your body, then do it. There will always be someone who stares at you because you’re different than them. SO WHAT. Let them stare because as long as you’re happy doing what you wanted, then that’s all that matters. Tattoos and piercings do not mean you are of lesser value, nor do they make you a lesser Christian if they’re visible in Church. We’re told to “be ourselves” but if we act upon that and someone doesn’t like it (especially family), then the response is usually, “I told you to be yourself, just not like that.” Sorry, but no that’s not how it works.

If you're gay, lesbian, bi, trans, questioning, etc, then that's okay. That's a part of what makes you the wonderful person that you are. There will always be someone who condemns you for loving someone of the same sex, but it's your life, not theirs. They don't have to agree, and the only person that you have to make happy is yourself. There are no limitations on love; it's a beautiful feeling, and no one can tell you who to love.

Don’t be that person who stares at someone with tattoo sleeves. Don’t be that person who stares at the gay couple that just walked into the same restaurant that you’re in. Don’t call that girl ugly and a liar because she looks different without makeup. Don’t call that boy stupid or disgusting because he loves makeup. Stop judging people and hating on people because they are different than you.

Our differences make us unique. If we were all the same and acted the same, this world would be a very boring place. Being different and embracing our individuality makes us interesting. We all have a mind of our own, our own values, our own hopes and dreams, and every time we turn around someone tries to change those. Stand firm in who you are and don’t conform to all of the scams that society throws at you. Society is trying to trap us all into these prison cells, but it’s our job to break free.