In today’s society, we feel that it’s okay to let numbers define us. But why do we do this?Why do we let numbers define the decisions we make, the people we associate with, and how we see ourselves? Why do we let ourselves be victims to things that humans invented, that don’t speak, that aren’t alive? These numbers shouldn’t define the way we act, your personality and character should define that. The following are five numbers that we let define us, but newsflash! We actually don’t have to.

1. Weight

When one usually thinks about their weight, 99 percent of the time, they think in a negative way. We as a society developed a concept that fat is equal to “ugly” and skinny is equal tp “beautiful”. If that number that comes up on the scale is not what society wants, you start to look at yourself in a degrading way that then leads to a low self-esteem. But really, there is so much more that matters than just your weight.

2. GPA/ Grades

In recent years, academic competition has increased tremendously. Kids are constantly studying day and night just to satisfy parents and society. So many kids don’t study these days just to learn something or gain some knowledge but rather to earn that 4.0 GPA or to get a perfect score on the SAT. Students tend to compare themselves with each other on the basis of their grades and the amount of A’s they have on their report cards. What we don’t realize is that each student has their own strengths and weaknesses. Just because one student is a better test taker than the other doesn’t mean they are the better person.

3. Amount of money one has

Everyone finds themselves thinking at some point in their life thinking “I wish I was able to afford better things than this”. We focus on materialistic things and think that by having money, we would happy. So many people end up spending more time with their cars and phones than with the people they love. What happiness will your things give you that friends and family can’t?

4. Clothing Size

Again, we have this tendency to want to fit into society’s definition of “normal”. Size zero is considered as an ideal size for one to fit into. We feel the need to go out of our way to make sure everyone thinks good of us.We try to tell ourselves that a size is just a number and that we are going to be confident with our bodies but it continues to haunt us when we look in the mirror sometimes. But your size has nothing to do with you as a person. Some people may say you're too skinny or too fat, but the way you SHOULD see it, everyone is beautiful just the way they are!

5. Followers you have

Social media really has changed the way that we communicate and interact with one another. Everyone is always wanting the more followers on Instagram or a high amount of friends on Facebook just so that the rest of the world can see how “popular” we are.But why would you want 1,000 Instagram followers if you can have 10 real, true friends? When you are in need, your 1,000 followers won’t come running to help you. If you are a good person, then your real friends will always come to be by your side.

Always keep in mind that numbers are just numbers. Sometimes it is hard to not pay attention to what other people think, but just try to stay positive. There are no numbers that can make you any less of a person. What truly matters is your inner beauty that shines outward, your strength to keep going and your kindness.