Are you addicted to the idea of perfection?

My generation is too consumed with this idea of perfection, that we lost sight of who we really are and who we want to be. We all want to be "trendy" and have that perfect Instagram feed, but we don't want to be considered "basic." Unfortunately, that's what we all are. We made society what it is today. We created the term "basic."

People fake their lives on social media, to come across as someone they are not. Why don't people want to be remembered as themselves? Constantly smiling for the camera, even if we are upset on the inside. I find myself guilty of this as well.

This song is called "Dollhouse" by Melanie Martinez. When I first heard this song and saw the music video, it really hit home for me. I didn't realize how serious this matter was. It is crazy how people will act to look "perfect." We don't want people to see us struggling or have the slightest doubt of "loving life." I am sick of hiding my true feelings and putting up this front to feel accepted. I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for someone I am not.

This is Essena O’Neill, an 18-year-old from the Sunshine Coast of Australia. O'Neill stirred up a lot of drama on social media. She was an internet sensation, with her hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and subscribers on YouTube. After her crazy hobby turned into a success story and landed her a modeling career in Los Angeles, O'Neill decided to make a change. She started posting the truth behind her Instagram posts and emotions, instead of this "fake" life. She started to post more of Essena O'Neill, and less predictable. It is important for young girls to know, that their beauty comes from how real they are. We all could learn a thing or two from O'Neill's courage to take charge.

Negative body image for women is a huge issue today. It is sad that instead of building each other up, we chose to tear one another down to make ourselves feel more beautiful. If you took a second out of your day to compliment another girl's appearance, you would make her whole day. Everyone needs to appreciate their own self-beauty or no one else will, but it won't hurt to bring someone else up while you are at it.

“Nobody's perfect. We're all just one step up from the beasts and one step down from the angels.” — Jeannette Walls

These wise words should be something everyone lives by every day. Nobody is perfect, and we have to recognize that before we expect perfection out of those around us. Stop trying to be perfect to the outside world, and start being proud of the person you actually are.