Yes, this is the first selfie I've posted -- ever. There are few things worse than waiting for that 11th like, the one that makes the names disappear and the list starts growing. You know the one? The one that makes you feel like you've finally gotten the right filter, chosen the perfect caption and let everyone see just how awesome you and your, friends, boyfriend, dog, slice of pizza -- whatever you're sharing, are. People have talked a lot about the media and the negative image it places on people and kids growing up, but have we ever thought that some of this might be what we are doing to ourselves? When did your focus after a post become waiting on that 11th like to feel validated, or like you were good enough? Hey, maybe it's not that serious, maybe it's just fun to watch the number grow, but don't tell me you've never thought the words, "Man, I only got 65 likes?" Even so, when did our worth start being defined by how many likes and shares, by a number?

I've always found pride in my optimism and passion to lift others up. I try my best to make everyone feel welcome and for my presence to leave someone a little bit better off than they were before our encounter. Therefore, coincidentally, I am also one of those avid "likers" -- yes, you can thank me later, but as I scroll through my news feed, no matter the social media avenue, I love to like! It's because of this outlook, I thought I was immune to the static of 'being defined by my likes.' I'll admit it, it's fun to watch the number grow and try to keep a steady pace of a certain like per minute ratio, but surely it was nothing more than that? Right? Wrong.

I started writing for The Odyssey in February of 2015, and a few weeks ago I stopped writing for The Odyssey. I'm a big fan of reading and I've always loved writing, so I cherished the opportunity to share my thoughts with others. In fact, my problem has always been writing too much. Having the ability to express yourself openly, without fear of judgment is among one of the best freedoms of the world, and that's what I thought I was doing. So why stop doing that willingly? I made excuses for myself; I was too busy, had several other priorities and wasn't giving my all, all which may being true to some extent, but the truth is -- I gave in.

Hi, my name is Cassidy and I valued my worth based on the likes and shares on social media. I've always been a pretty competitive person, so sure, I enjoy ways to measure success. Just like any business, The Odyssey grows from views and shares from readers like you. I love reading the fun lists of trendy ideas, or throwbacks of songs and videos we listened to growing up, reminiscing over growing up as a dancer, I love the idea of Chacos, although I don't own a pair, and I am just as guilty of the norts and oversized T-shirts as the next person. These are the fun things that are shared hundreds or even thousands of times on social media and that is awesome! I seriously have the best and most talented peers ever that are far more wise and well-spoken than I could ever think about being. But I got lost in the hustle, I began to define the quality of my work based on the response from the public, or lack thereof. I made excuses for my self-proclaimed "poor performance" that made me believe that I wasn't good enough, my writing wasn't good enough, or cool enough or trendy enough; it wasn't worthy of a spot among these phenomenal writers. Who am I to stand amongst them?

I like to write about things like feelings, passions, dreams and cancer. Unfiltered. I like to write about things people may be scared to share -- and that's okay. I'm back in action and feeling free to be me; free to write what I want to write and share what I want to share in order to reach one person that needed a pick-me-up today. Unfiltered doesn't have to mean disliked. The truth is -- I gave in. The real truth is I'm worth more than that. Each story is our own and has the ability to change a life. Whether you use 10 filters or none, a killer caption or a single word, we have the opportunity to make someone's day just a little bit better with every encounter. Each page of your story is beautiful and amazing because it is yours. So make it count.

“I used to think I was a victim of my story until I realized the truth; that I am the creator of my story. I choose what type of person I will be and what type of impact I will leave on others. I will never choose the destructive path of self and outward victimization again.” Steve Marabolli

There is nothing wrong with decorating your life, as long as you keep in mind that it's yours, unfiltered, purely yours. The truth is. -- I gave in. The real truth is we're worth more than that.