Often times you can take a look at you and see so many people living to please others. The way they look, the way the act, and what they do so that others think about them a certain way. You look around and see the faces of strangers, but you don't truly see who they are. You can assume all you want and portray yourself how you want, but ultimately be who you want to be.

At the beginning of my sophomore year of college, I went to school stuck in a sort of a tough place. I went to school wanting to better myself and take time to truly find who I wanted to be. I wasn't entirely sure where I was headed not only in my normal, everyday life but in my spiritual life as well.

One of the first steps I took when I got to college was joining a group of students in attending a church that had the same beliefs that I did. Being a conservative Christian in a very liberal college, it was challenging to find my group. The thing was, I had been invited to attend this church the previous year, but I was in such a different place that I didn't want to go. I soon realized that I loved this church. I loved the community, the group I went with, and even the pastor.

I felt like I belonged there.

This step helped me to take even more steps. I would spend time with different organizations and would even step up and speak about my life at one of them. Someday, I hope to be able to join the leadership team and be able to help others like they have helped me.

While I began to grow in my spiritual life, I felt like things were falling into place.

I began to feel more comfortable with who I was and what was going on in my life. I had my family there to support me and friends that motivated and encouraged me to be my best.

While all of this was happening, however, there were still things that would go on that would bring me back to this place of confusion. Disagreements, moments of failures, and struggles continued to bash their way into my life. Instead of just trying to deal with all of this on my own, I've asked for help. I have taken time to myself and declined events to better myself. I've skipped classes when I know my anxiety would have caused me to not understand anything. I have learned to put myself first and I don't regret it.

By being able to take care of myself I have been able to see so many changes.

I have been happier and healthier. I enjoy being around others and actually want to go hang out with others, versus forcing myself to. I found the motivation to work on on an almost daily basis and this has further pushed my confidence and happiness.

Taking time to focus on both my mental, physical, and spiritual life has been one of the best things I have decided to do.

By doing this, I have learned to be confident with my natural hair, makeup-less face, and overall personal self. Taking time to focus on yourself is one thing I dare you to try at least once in your life.

If you are anything like me and always put others before yourself, I guarantee that this is something that you need to try. This is not a choice to be lonely and on your own, it is a choice to simply be happy while you are on your own and even happier when you are with friends.