It's okay to not be okay.
That phrase can be hard to swallow sometimes because society, friends, and even family can pressure you to have everything together. There seems to be an unavoidable requirement to go to college at 18, figure out what to do for a living by 19, and be able to be an adult on your own at 22. If you don't choose that path, people will say, "You aren't going to do well in life","How are you going to get by?", "College will open so many doors for you, why shut the door in your own face?" You can't show too much emotion, or else you will be labeled as "sensitive". You can't be too smart, or you will be called a "freak of nature" or a "geek".
You must be good looking; conform to what your culture deems as attractive. If you don't, you will be considered ugly. If you aren't loud, obnoxious, and arrogant, kiss your chances of a social life goodbye. When you choose a career, you have to choose one based off a potential income, not what you love and are skilled at. Sometimes it feels like an unknown force is controlling you, and that you're a puppet in the show that is life. The show's audience is filled with people who have only their best interests in mind, not yours.
I am here to tell you to not care about what these people say. Others will tear you down because they are so insecure about themselves so they try to dim others' light to brighten theirs. Do what your heart desires. Stay true to yourself. Life is a series of mountains and valleys--there will high times and there will be low times. Without the struggles and adversity, you wouldn't be able to get to where you are supposed to be. It's not about the end result; it's about the journey to the end.
If you are feeling low, confused, and frustrated about your life currently, and who you are, don't worry. Nobody has their life figured out at any age. Some of the most successful people still may have a feeling of uneasiness about themselves. You're not alone, and this too shall pass. Tough times don't last, tough people do. It's a cliche, but it's true.
The endless sleepless nights and the unlimited amount of tears shed will cease eventually. All of the thoughts that are going a million miles an hour will slow down. If you are broken, you will not stay broken. Time heals all wounds. Forgive, but don't forget. Stay resilient, stay vigorous. Just because you're in a bad situation currently, doesn't mean you will stay there. Rainbows wouldn't exist without the preceding rainstorm.
Who cares about what others think? Ask yourself if these people are even worth your time. Even if they are worth it, you shouldn't cross an ocean for someone who won't walk over a puddle for you. The only validation you need is your own. No one else's opinions and thoughts about you trump yours. You are the controller of your life, not the bystanders. If you are hard on yourself, soften that hardness. You are only given one life and in the end, you will spend the most time with yourself. Your mind is where you spend most of your time, so make sure it's a gorgeous and peaceful place to be. Be kind to yourself, and the entire world will change right before your eyes.
Whatever is going on in your life, you will get through it. You are strong, amazing, and beautiful. Out of the seven billion plus people in this world, there is no one else exactly like you. Surround yourself with those who love you for you. Always remember there's a light at the end of the tunnel.