I'm the kind of person that will always put everyone else's needs and wants before my own. Their happiness will always be more important than mine and that's just how I am. However, as it's seen as a good and selfless thing, it also has made my life a living hell at some points.

Last year was probably the worst of it for me. I wanted to make everyone around me happy and made things go their way even if it ultimately sucked for me. My living condition wasn't the greatest last year and instead of stepping up and saying something, I just dealt with it. I was miserable. I didn't like the conflict and I didn't like making anyone unhappy.

There was also a situation with someone who ended up holding all my happiness in their hands. And as soon as they were gone, I was miserable then too. I gave too much of myself to them and it backfired on me the instant they decided they didn't want me in their life anymore. It's a terrible feeling when you give so much to someone thinking they were giving you the same in return, when they really weren't.

This year, I've been making changes in my life, and I'm genuinely happy. I started sticking up for myself when something was making negative impacts in my life rather than positive ones. I got rid of toxic people and situations. I realized I don't need anyone that doesn't need me. And I certainly don't want anyone that doesn't want me. I decided to make better choices in my life and really focus on myself. I changed my major to something that I really enjoy regardless of what everyone else says. I'm focusing on school and working to achieve my goals. I've learned to take the days as they come and deal with all the problems when they're thrown my way. I learned to not worry or stress about things that haven't happened yet or anticipate situations that may or may not happen. When I started choosing myself and focusing on my own happiness, I became more content with my life.

I'm the happiest I've been.