I was the type of person who sought approval from almost everyone in the world. No matter what I was doing, buying, wearing, etc. I needed approval beforehand. People always told me not to care about what others thought because it didn't matter and they're right, it doesn't matter, but that didn't change who I was and how I thought.

The whole "seeking people's approval" comes from having low self-esteem and self-confidence.

Without those two things, don't even bother trying to be your own person because it's not going to happen. Harsh? Yes, it is harsh, and it is hard to hear, but it is true. You cannot be yourself if you don't like yourself; it's impossible. You must learn to accept the fact that this is who you are and that's that.

There are plenty of people in the world who think that for some reason they are above you and should get everything that they want. I'm sorry to inform those people, but that couldn't be farther than the truth. Everyone is their own person, and that is what makes this world so beautiful. No one is the same, and no one is perfect. Let me repeat that, NO ONE IS PERFECT. Stop trying to be perfect and just be yourself because that is what God intended for.

When I said that I "was" the type of person who seeks approval from everyone, I lied. I still am that person, but I have a better understanding of myself than I did two years ago. I still have those days where I just feel as if I am an outcast and invisible to everyone, but I continue to get out of bed and go on with my day because sitting around feeling sorry for myself isn't going to make me feel any better.

Sometimes I have to look myself in the mirror and actually tell myself that I am amazing and wonderful and no one can tell me otherwise.

It sounds silly, but it honestly helps with your self-confidence and self-esteem. No one understands how you think and feel better than yourself. Don't lie, we all have talked to ourselves before even if it was not out loud, but the next time you are feeling insecure, try doing it out loud and in front of a mirror so you can see yourself. You must remember that you do not need anyone's approval to live your life. It's your own life for crying out loud!

If you love someone, love them. If you're excited about something, be excited. If you think quitting your job is the best thing for you at the moment, then quit. Don't let other people influence the way you want to live your life because then it's not really your life anymore, right?