Growing up as teenage girl can be stressful in many more ways than one, but it can be especially stressful because there are so many standards set on young women. What clothes we "should" be wearing, the latest designer jewelry we "have" to have, the "perfect" body type, the number of Instagram likes on a photo, and the hours and hours we spend perfecting our hair and makeup every morning just to try to fulfill those "standards" of society.

Some women grow up thinking they are only pretty or accepted when their face is completely made up, when they are wearing the latest fashion trend, when their Instagram likes are through the roof, and so on and so forth. As much as we may not want to admit it, we grow up in a society where we have been taught that our need for acceptance paralyzes our own expressions of individualism.

Over the past year, I have come to the realization that my happiness does not and will not ever revolve around what others think of me. If I am happy with myself, my life, and the people surrounding me everyday, then that is true happiness. I stopped worrying so much about always making sure I was wearing the latest trend, or always having to have my hair and makeup done, or posting pictures to social media solely to receive hundreds of likes.

I wouldn't say I regret ever worrying about all those things, but I'm glad I did at some point because it has taught me that quite honestly, none of it matters. It taught me to not worry about what every person thinks about me. At the end of the day, the people that truly love and care for you will still love and care for you- whether you look like an America's Top Model or whether you have your hair in a messy bun, not an ounce of makeup on, and you're wearing that t-shirt that comes down to your knees and those parachute sweatpants that could probably fit three of you.

I could count the number of times I have worn makeup this year on one hand, and I am proud to say it. I feel more confident in my own skin, and a bonus of wearing no makeup is that it does wonders for your skin's complexion- it'll thank you later. I shop for clothes now solely based on what I find cute, what I feel confident in, and what expresses myself. I don't shop based on the latest name brand that everyone wants to flaunt. Otherwise, I've learned I am completely content with a big t-shirt and some lulu shorts on, no makeup, and my staple pearl stud earrings in.

All in all, no matter how many people you are surrounded by and no matter how many people love every ounce of you, the only person that you should worry about making happy is yourself. You don't have to live up to society's standards, live up to your own, and do it with your head held high and with a smile on your face. I promise you that your happiness will not cease when you aren't always portraying society's "perfect" image.

Be your own perfect image.

You're beautiful.