Whether it's piercing my tongue on a whim, or cutting my bangs in the bathroom, I live my life by my own rules and standards. I do not let others or their opinions dictate how I feel about myself and I do not let fear hold me back from anything I want. Being naturally wired this way is a blessing and a curse (mostly a curse in the eyes of my parents.) Living your life purely free and without inhibitions is one of the greatest and most beneficial things anyone could do for themselves. I wish more people could find it within themselves to let go of society's standards or expectations from others and live their life the way they want to, unapologetically.

Living by your own rules gives you a sense of independency and truly makes you feel like yourself. Until I came to college, I had never experienced this type of lifestyle. I had always followed the path laid out for me by others, even though I internally questioned everything. Coming to college and being ultimately my own guide changed a lot for me, not only how I act but also the methods in which I think. I enjoy being able to think for myself and make my own decisions without worry or stress of what others will say or think about me. It is my life and I live it the way I want to.

Some people may say, "You don't get anything out of life if you life it for yourself," and honestly, I get everything out of life, if not more. Living life the way i want to does not equal living without regard for others. It means that ultimately, yes I do what I want but I would never jeopardize an important relationship over something inconsequential. However, I do believe if a person really cares about you something trivial will not make or break your relationship (like my parents accepting my piercings and tattoos, thanks guys love you.) If something is truly important to you, those close to you should understand and accept that. No two people have the same opinions and ideas, and that's the beauty of life.

I realize this lifestyle is not for everyone, I get it. I just wish more people would at least attempt to live life for themselves. At least once. Even though I sometimes make stupid decisions, the point is they're my decisions. They are my conscious choices and if I screw up well that is okay because screw ups are a part of life and help us learn. No one lives a perfect life no matter the method in which you live it. But that is just one of the awesome parts of life, no one is perfect and everything is a learning process. Life is truly what you make it, so one day try to make your life purely yours.