My life has had its twists and turns, ups and downs, and definite questionable moments. However, through these trials I have gotten to a place where I'm finally content.

Despite this, people will always try to ruin that deserved feeling.

I hear the criticism all the time. People are consistent in their pursuits to try to destroy other people's happiness. I decided a long time ago that no matter how many times I can't make up my mind, or might take a little longer to get to a certain stage in life than others (or get there earlier), every decision I make is the right one, and the things I can't control are usually blessings in disguise. I am patient with my never-ending curiosity, I love when it's hard, and I will never stop believing that kindness always helps me go the extra mile. My deepest regret is that I ever let the people who told me I can't, discourage me from all the things I can do. This world is full of infinite possibilities, and no one will be able to create murky water in my flowing and powerful river ever again.

My life doesn't have to be mapped out to your standards. Sometimes the most practical thing isn't always the most fulfilling, and we should never be convinced that our dreams are too grand or our standards too high because of our background. I am more than ready to work twice as hard to get the things I want rather than just settling because I'm scared. You will see soon if you just follow the blueprint for how you think your life is supposed to go, you will often end up at a dead end, with questions like "...what if?"

I am ready to spend my entire life proving your criticisms wrong.

Even though I may not be living traditionally, I am happy and that is all that matters to me. I will take the simple life over riches, and small tokens of gratitude over outrageous gestures. Being a broke college student is okay. Being undecided is okay. Not knowing who you want to love is okay. Loving someone too much is okay. Having big dreams is okay. Failing is okay. I am only human, and I am doing the best I can. We are all at points of massive change in our lives and the loud shouts to not complete the transformation are from those who want to maintain their toxic grip on our future.

To those who say I can't, I've never doubted that I could. Everyone has the potential to do something extraordinary, and taking the first scary jump is the only way to get started on that journey. So no, I won't hear your condescending comments or apparent doubts anymore. Your one-ups, your negative comments, your insults toward my potential, and your self-absorbed agendas are meaningless to me now. I am sure of who I am, and no longer need your approval to do the things that I know I can do without your help. I can only hope one day you people who are full of insecurities can get to this point eventually too. I want what's best for you, because I know before you became the person you are someone kept doubting you too. So relax, and enjoy the spontaneous ride.

Life only gets better from here.