The world is a hard place to live in, I get it. Sometimes it's hard to make decisions and do what you think is best for yourself when there are others in your life that may not be happy with those decisions. However, it is very important to remember not to be a "people pleaser." Now, let's be clear: this doesn't apply to interviews and other obligatory situations in which you need people to be super impressed by your accomplishments in order to earn your bread and butter. I'm talking about the various important people in your life that are invested in you as a person and will love you no matter what.

The more I interact with people one-on-one, the more I learn that so many beautiful souls are being held back exponentially because they don't want to displease their parents, their siblings, their best friend, etc. I'm a firm believer in the idea that the people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on who you become whether you actively allow these things to happen or not. However, there is a big difference between allowing the people that support you to impact your life in a way that you are comfortable with and is conducive to your happiness, and allowing your loved ones to impact your decisions in a manner that contradicts what you may want for yourself. It can be hard to feel like no one is in your corner and that the decisions you are making have no support. However, if the people in your life really care they will be more concerned with maintaining your relationship than with fighting with over your opinions and choices. Obviously, them showing concern and pointing out possible missteps in your life is a role that they are there to play, but you should never feel like you need to hide what you truly want from the people you love.

At the end of the day, your parents are still your parents if you get that tattoo that means so much to you. If your best friend is truly your best friend, they will stand by you no matter how many times you go back to that godawful boy who keeps toying with your heart. Stop hiding how you feel because you're afraid to rock the boat. Speak when something makes you happy, make changes when something makes you upset. Don't be afraid to tell someone that you don't like the way they speak to or of you. Don't sugar coat situations and don't keep your own struggles secret to keep those you love from worrying. If (and when) you encounter someone who does not like the way you speak openly, don't stop or quiet your voice. Do not change the way you are for someone else. Do not be hateful, but do not be submissive. Be unapologetically yourself.