I have always had an independent mindset. I have a difficult time understanding people that always have to be with someone and can't function by themselves. I find it incredible that I am free to do whatever my heart desires without worrying about anyone else's opinion. The older I get the more I realize that I don't need anyone by my side. I cherish five hour car rides with the windows down jamming out by myself without anyone's input on what song to play next. I realized last weekend when I walked through the worst part of Philadelphia at 12:30 AM without even a second thought, that I don't ever want to live my life in fear. I said "as long as you look like you have a purpose and know what you are doing no one will bother you," and that did indeed held true. People constantly ask me "Don't you get scared." No, I don't. If I lived my life in fear I would limit what I do just because everyone else is afraid to do it.

I have grown to really enjoy being by myself because it has allowed me to think about everything and really find my true self. Don't get me wrong I really love a lot of people but sometimes I just need a break from everyone. When I go places by myself it allows me to focus on what really interests me and I don't have to worry about pleasing someone else. When others are always with you it is easy to be influenced by what they are doing and just go with the flow, losing your own desires throughout. Whatever they like becomes what you like, and you mesh into one person or one group, and lose your true self. Whenever I am stressed out there is nothing better to solve my problems then to hit up the gym by myself, blare some music, and push through a hard workout.

Being alone helps you look at the world in a whole different way. I am by no means saying in this article to always be by yourself and to always push people away from you, but rather to allow yourself to have your alone time when you need it. Some people really don't like to be alone for varying reasons and that is completely understandable. It takes certain people to be able to adventure into territories unknown by themselves. For me, I wouldn't want it any other way. These past three summers I have done just that and I have grown more and more as a person and have really found my true self and my true aspirations and loves in life. Don't wait to do something you have wanted to do just because no one else will do it with you. Take the opportunity and make it happen no matter what it takes. You are your own person and you have the power to be whatever you dream of being. Don't ever let someone tell you otherwise.