My grandfather used to tell me, "You are better than no one, but no one is better than you." I kept his advice close to heart when I was growing up, and now, as a young adult in a world that sometimes feels too full of hatred and comparisons and negativity, I try to remember his words with each person I meet or interact with.

We are all human. I know it's hard to believe at times, but it's the truth. We're human and we all share that similarity despite being different in so many other ways. We are human and alive and a part of something greater in this world. So why treat others like they're not?

This question keeps me up at night a lot. I hate the idea of individuals being neglected or bullied for their unique characteristics. I hate the idea of "normal" and the pressure we've applied to these norms thanks to society. I hate the thought of people comparing themselves to others, tearing themselves down because they don't look like Kylie or Kim. It's time to embrace our flaws and imperfections as we see them. It's time to accept ourselves as being human.

Humanity is a word that seems to be thrown around a lot more over the past few years. I know my friends and I have made comments about "losing faith in humanity," and as funny or serious as those comments may have been at the time, I hate that we have begun to degrade our humanity so much.

Defined as being both a humaneness and the human race collectively, humanity is something we need to embrace because it's the one thing that binds us together. We create this world. We influence it and effect it, and when we don't give our humanity the respect it deserves, we degrade ourselves.

So remember that it's okay to cry. Remember that it's alright to be soft in this sometimes cruel world. Remember that there are others that feel the same way, and no matter how alone you may feel, there is someone else out there who understands.

There is nothing wrong with embracing your humanness. We should all do it more often than not, because, well, it's what makes us... us.