Ever since I can remember, I have always been outgoing. It was that go-to adjective I would use to describe myself whenever playing any type of "get to know you" game. I am constantly making jokes, being loud and talking to everyone and anyone.
Throughout the years, I have encountered a lot of people who truly enjoy my presence (or so they claim). I have been told I bring a lot of humor and laughter to conversations while also being fun to be around, and I would say I pride myself on being able to make most people laugh. Now, I am not only a jokester, but I am also a huge weirdo. Anyone who has met me, even for a few minutes, can verify that this is a true statement. I have always been the one who is willing to do ridiculous things or talk in strange voices just to make people laugh, and I am totally okay with that.
In all 21 years of my life, I have never felt like I should blend in a little more and stand out a little less. I just know I am the kind of person who isn't, and will never be, considered normal or just another face. I choose to use my outgoing personality and weird antics too, in fact, separate myself from everyone else. I love standing out from others because normal is boring to me. If you want to be an average Joe, by all means, be my guest! It's just not who I am.
I think I found personal happiness when I realized I loved all the quirks about myself. Discovering there are parts about yourself you truly love and couldn't imagine being without help you also discover what it's like to love yourself for who you really are. There are many years where teenagers are trying to find out who they genuinely are, and I think that falling in love with my outgoing personality and humor helped me establish who I wanted to actually be as a person.
The purpose of all this chit chat is that I want to encourage people to be unique and unreserved. I want others to open themselves up and feel comfortable in being their true self, no filters. The only time I want you to pick a filter is when you are posting your Instagram photos. As a childhood idol of mine once said, "Life's what you make it, so let's make it rock," and Hannah Montana has never spoken truer words since.
So here is my challenge for all of you. The next time you want to do something that might be considered weird or "different" than something you would typically do, do it. Don't be afraid of what anyone else thinks, because nine out of 10 times, they're going to laugh with you instead of at you.
