This Valentine's Day, I want you to try something new. Don't focus on significant others. Focus on you. Nothing is more important than your happiness and comfort in your own skin. I know this from personal experience. Learn to love yourself. I was kind of a mess for a while. I was trying new medications for multiple mental illnesses, I strived for perfection, and I couldn't get away from my own hurtful thoughts. I spend a lot of time wondering if this was it. Would I ever be as happy as I see so many people? Would I ever have a person? Would I ever be comfortable in my own skin? It took a long time for me to better myself, and a lot of the time I was doing it for someone else when I should have done it for myself.

I would eat breakfast every morning for my dad, who always encouraged me to eat the most important meal of the day. I put a smile on my face for my mom, who always told me how beautiful it was. I joked around with friends for my sister, who always told amazing jokes. I made my passion my job for my brother, who has started his professional career with truetrophies.com. I got through every day for my dog, who believes in me more than I believe in myself. I went to class for my ninth grade history teacher and I went to work for my coworker who could really use someone to talk to. I got out of bed every morning for my loved ones, most of whom didn't understand why I was so depressed.

Now I eat because I'm hungry and I smile because I'm happy. I joke because I'm funny! I love my job, and I want to pursue it more for my own gain. I get through every day for my dog still, but also for myself. I go to class to get a damn good education and I go to work to get experience in my field and to learn more about myself. I get out of bed every morning for me.

Basically, I faked it until I made it and I did. I made it. I'm happy. I have my ups and my downs, but I'm happy which honestly makes my first Valentine's Day with my significant other that much better.