I recently turned 20 in March and reached the age where I'm too young to do the things I want to do and too old to do the things that I used to do. I decided to ring in the big 2-0 by making a couple of changes in my life. I dyed my hair and got a tattoo that I have been wanting for a couple of years. People raved about my hair, my tattoo however...did not get the best feedback. Which is what led to what I'm going to tell you now.

Not everyone is going to like your life choices.

A few of my family members were not keen on my tattoo design or the placement of it and I still get lectures about it any time I see them. What they fail to realize is that it's my life. It's not like their words are going to change the fact that I have a permanent piece of artwork on my forearm. When you make a drastic choice in your life, you always look for the opinion of others first. The thing is, whether they agree with you or not it's how you feel about these choices. It is your life and in the end you're the one that is going to be living with whatever choices you make, so what is one person's negative opinion going to do when the choice has already been made?

Your life is your life, don't let anyone tell you different

You're going to lose yourself if you try to live your life pleasing someone else. People might think that they have a say in your life, but ultimately no one can make any decisions regarding your life except you. It will be hard for them to accept that at first, but if you stand your ground then they will realize that they have no control over you. You will have to continue to stand your ground, otherwise it will be easy to go back into the habit of letting others control you.

We're only on this earth for a short amount of time. Do the things that you've always wanted to do. Make that leap, date that guy (or gal), fight for that promotion, take control of your life because in the end the only one that has to live with your decisions is you. Would you rather play it safe and miss out or take the plunge and face your fears head on. Only you can make the choice.