Let's just be honest here: this world is stressful, constantly changing, and expects a lot out of us.

Whether it's work, school, image, or social relationships, it can seem that all the odds are against us. It can feel like we're pinned against a wall. We succumb to pleasing others instead of ourselves, and we lose what makes us special. Life isn't easy, but it's what makes living great.

We want to fit in - belong. To do this, we conform so that we are deemed worthy. The problem with conformity is that it suppresses who you are. It creates the opposite problem: you begin to feel inferior. This can even make something as powerful as Rome crumble to pieces. Once there’s nothing left, you’re stuck having to rebuild what was once an empire.

Don't forget to do what makes you happy. There's so much to offer that most people don't know of until it's unleashed. Find what it is that puts a glimmer in your eyes, and a raging fire in your soul. Once the spark is ignited, there's no turning back. Let the flames roar, rage, and rise.

When we choose our own path, it can be upsetting to the ones we love. It could be a job promotion across the country, breaking up with someone, leaving an organization - anything. They want you to be the best version of you, but sometimes it's their vision of who they want you to be. Don't completely disregard others' feelings, but keep yours in check first. You're not meant to be someone else's you; you're meant to be your you.

Take the risk and dive into something that's just for you. If you focus on your happiness, then everything else will fall into place. The ones that are there for you will stay, and the ones that don't are not worth a dying breath. Be your own support system regardless if there's anyone left.

Not knowing what you’re about to get into is scary. There’s always going to be a fear of the unknown. If you don’t go through with it, you might spend the rest of your life wondering what could’ve been. Don’t ever feel guilty or full of regret. Everything happens for a reason. You were meant to choose yourself at this moment, not yesterday or tomorrow. Embrace this lovely phenomenon.

Being content with yourself is the number one thing to focus on. If you're not content, you won't be passionate. Passion drives us to push ourselves to places that we never would've imagined. It's what separates those who exist from those who live. You're so capable of so much more than you realize; don't limit yourself. Don't turn your back on yourself - the results are detrimental, trust me.

I've battled anxiety for the past six years. It made me feel worthless; unloved. There was so much hurt and pain. I didn't mean to do it to myself, but it just happened. I can't change how my life has played out, but I can do something about it. The first thing I did was embrace who I am. Then, my outlook on life was completely different.

Everyday tasks didn't feel like a chore. I started waking up every morning excited about the fact that anything can happen in just one day. You don’t know who or what you will come across. Interactions with the special people in my life feel richer. I became grateful for my experiences and where I'm at. I'm celebrating what I've accomplished, but I'm not stopping or settling. I'm going to continue to grow and evolve.

Did I ever think I'd genuinely be lively again? Did I ever think that I would stop despising what I saw in the mirror? Did I think I'd get rid of the plastic smile? No, I didn't. I thought I'd be stuck in the bottomless, dark pit alone. Something in me told me that there's so much to see in this world, so many people to meet, and so much love that I have to give. Life is too beautiful to hate who you are or where you're going.

It's crazy how something as simple as a mindset change can alter your life positively. There's nothing to lose from choosing yourself over something/someone else. There's only so much to gain from it. You'll start to love life; I'm starting to. You can do it. The road to inner peace isn't a straight, clear one. It's a winding, rough road filled with twists and turns. It's like hiking up a mountain and finally seeing the view from the top; a physically and mentally exhausting trek with beautiful results.

Do it in baby steps or as big of steps as you want. Choosing yourself isn't a race, and the only person you're competing against is yourself. Other people's journeys are different than yours. Don't feel intimidated by others because you may learn from them. They may have gone through similar things that you're currently going through, and offer some of the best advice around.

Choosing yourself is the best thing you can do. It leads to a happier existence. You don't worry as much about what others think of you or feel the pressure to fit into a certain mold. You're able to be who you are and strive to be who you want to become. That is what will ultimately set you free.

When in doubt, choose you.