"Self-expression is as vital to living as breathing." - Desert Alchemy

To most, self-expression is a god given right, amirite? I only wish. Whenever I consider expressing myself, it feels as though my brain automatically shuts down. My thoughts become scattered, unclear, disconnected and misinterpreted. Whenever I attempt to express myself, I always find it the most difficult thing in the world.

Why? Well, there is a number reasons why, but this is not why I am writing this letter.

This is just as much for you as it is for me.

Whether you are battling with expressing your emotions, your passions or your motives, I find that it all starts with a plan.

Before everything, take a moment to think about what is holding you back from expressing yourself. It is always interesting to me when I think about this. Every time I seem to find myself in a rut (either emotionally, or motivationally), it is usually because I never shed light onto what is actually causing me to feel this way.

Is it a certain person in your life? Is it a highly stressing job? Is it your insecurities?

If you said "yes" or even "maybe" to any of those questions, then you really need to think about evaluating the situation. If you are dealing with people that seem disinterested in what you have to say, then they most likely are. If it seems as though your friends are causing you more stress than happiness, then they most likely are. Whatever feeling or instinct you are having, you need to trust it. I am not saying cut everyone out of your life, I am just suggesting to start a plan that will help you with your own personal growth and expression.

Whenever you have a handle on what is causing you this blockage, you should find your "outlet".

This is probably not the first time that you've heard of this, but it can really help. I promise. Find an outlet that you really enjoy. If you like speaking publicly, I'd recommend joining a club where you have those liberties. Some great examples are things like a debate/speech team, an activist movement/organization, etc.

For me, I've noticed that the easiest outlet of expression that I have is writing. I've been writing since I was 11 years old and whenever I create something, I feel proud and passionate about it. I can write my feelings, my thoughts, my dreams, etc. and it is such an amazing feeling.

But THIS Is What's Important:

Whatever outlet you have, it is yours. We do not need to live up to anyone's standards besides our own. If you feel completely free and able to express who you are through your outlet, whether it'd be writing, drawing, performing, building, etc. you NEED to pursue it.

We are already so critical of ourselves (which is a serious problem in our generation) so the last thing we need to do is feel like we have to live up to anyone's standards.

Unfortunately, we will be faced with toxic situations all of the time. It is part of life. You decide how you want to handle them and what kind of impact you want them to have on your life. Sometimes, you cannot predict things that happen. As corny as it sounds, the only thing you are in control of is yourself and who you are as a person. That is something that no one could ever take away from you.

I would love to end this article by saying that expressing yourself is a walk in the park, but then I'd be lying. I know it's not. I know it could be a constant internal (and sometimes external) battle that could feel like it can. Sometimes, it just takes some practice.

Whenever you figure out what it is that allows you to express yourself, give it all the damn attention you can.