Many people go through life always trying to fit in. They fight a constant battle to hide their true self and become the person they think everyone wants them to be.

I used to do this, too. Every day I tried to fit in and be the person I thought would be “cool.” I desperately wanted the approval of those around me. I was miserable. I was unhappy because I was never my true self, and I still wasn’t fitting in. What I didn’t know was that fitting in was not what was important.

Happiness is what is important. And you will never be happy unless you are being yourself. When you stop trying to fit in and show others the amazing person you are, you will start to love yourself. When you love yourself, you will be happier than ever before. It doesn’t matter what other people think. You are the person that matters!

When I was little, my mom used to read me a book called “It’s Okay to Be Different” by Todd Parr. Although I hadn’t read it since I was little, I recently pulled out my family’s copy of this book and reread it (for probably the hundredth time). The story is still applicable today. It tells you things like “It’s okay to need some help” and “It’s okay to be embarrassed.” This book taught me so many important lessons as a child, but somehow, as I grew up, I forgot the main meaning of the book: being who you are is an amazing thing! Todd Parr ends the book with this: “It’s okay to be different. You are special and important just because of being who you are. Love, Todd.” If you need a little reminder, you should definitely read this, no matter how old you are. It’s a great book!

Be yourself. Be happy. And never forget: you are amazing!

“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.” Dr. Seuss