I am a very caring person. I care about a lot of things, a lot of people, ideas, etc. I'm just very passionate about a lot. This semester has been a bit trying for me personally. I'm finally learning to loosen up. I stopped caring about what others think of me and it's great.

This does not mean that I am just going to let myself slack off, show up to class in my pajamas, and be rude to people. This just means that I am going to be myself. It's freeing. I still have personal standards. I am going to get all my work done on time and I am going to participate and get involved because that is just who I am. As far as my outward appearance goes, I'm not going to just live in my sweats. I am going to look good for me because I want to.

I stopped caring about what others think of me because, frankly, it's a waste of my time. If people don't like me, that's fine. I don't have to be liked by everyone and I know that I won't be. In the past, I've dealt with people who have made me feel small and insignificant, and I cared far too much about that. Now I know to accept what people think, and move on with my life.

I am not going to change for someone. I am going to change for myself. Since coming to college I've realized that I've become more outgoing, more confident in my abilities, and more independent even I've never had as many friends as I do right now, both old and new. These changes have helped me learn things about myself that I did not know. I've come to understand a lot more about who I am and what really makes me happy, and right now I am happy.

I've branched out, thrown myself in circles I never thought I would, and those were the best decisions I've made thus far. I've learned to stand up and speak up when I want something, I know that there's a time and place for everything, and not everything is worth a fight. I'm not saying I have life all figured out and I'm not saying that I am perfect. I have plenty of flaws, and though I've come to accept some flaws, I am not going to "love" my flaws. They are just a part of who I am, and right now is a period of self-love. I am putting myself first.

I stopped caring about what others think of me because I don't have the time to care about those who judge and bring me down. I know who I am, and if someone does not like me, that is okay. I'm sure they have their reasons. I am just not going to go through emotional turmoil trying to get everyone to like me. I have plenty of other things to worry about that that is not one of them. I am strong, I am kind, I am creative, I am smart, I am me, and that is who I will be unapologetically.

I stopped caring about what others think of me, and you should too. It's freeing.