What makes you you? Have you ever come across this question?

I always ask myself 'Who am I?', 'Why am I doing this?', 'Why am I doing that?', and I always wonder how people describe me when they're talking about me to someone who's never met me before. They say, at this time in your life (teen-age), it's perfectly normal to try out different things including personalities and roles to know what feels comfortable and what does not. Yes, I'm totally agree with it because we're still young. I think it's completely okay to try a new hairstyle, a new fashion, a new activity, a new group of friends but it's important to have a strong sense of self. Otherwise you run the risk of losing your individual identity and becoming a shadow of others. 

So, then, the question is: How much do you know about yourself?

When it comes to identity, the vision of yourself comes in two forms: how you see yourself and what you see in others. I always think that our perception of ourselves is our reality even if nobody else sees the same thing. For example, a person who thinks she's ugly when not one other person on the earth think that way, she literally sees herself as ugly no matter what you tell her. The adjective you use to describe yourself is based on your own perception. It means you can change your reality by changing your perception of it. It is our perception that matters most because nothing holds you back more than your own insecurities. This is why I always think that confident girls are so gorgeous, I would say confidence is sexy. 

Many people go through a phase of being overly self-critical and being overly self-critical can cause you to develop low self-esteem. Honestly, I'm a person with low self-esteem and I always think that I'm fat (although I have a healthy weight). So now, keep in mind that your feelings play a huge role in how you see yourself. However, I make an effort to change that by improving myself to be a better version of myself. The power of positive thoughts help to shape what you want others to see you. Drown out that negative self-talk with positive self-talk. For instance, "I'm fat anyway, so I might as well eat all I want," can be changed to "Although I might still be fat after I exercise, but I might lose a little weight if I start working out today." I'm trying to lose weight and tone my muscles to get in shape by working out everyday not to please anyone but to gain confidence. They always say, you don't have to listen to others and be yourself, you don't have to exercise, you can eat all you want and you don't have to put on make up to look pretty. But, seriously, who don't want to be pretty? If you think you'll be happier when you are slimmer, then start exercising; if you think you'll be more confident when you put on make up, then just wear all the make up you want; if you like to wear sweatpants because you're more comfortable in it, then wear it. Because no one should judge you for doing something to make yourself happy. Be the change you want to see, then people will start to see you differently. 

One of the biggest step for figuring out who you are is simply to recognize that your identity is influenced by many things and one of the things you have to do is to figure out where you feel like you fit. Next, find your passion. We are all good at something, it's a wonderful process trying to find the thing that you look forward to the days you get to do that. When you come across yours, you'll know it. Art is my passion and I always wanted to travel the world. 

You know what makes you you? Social and emotional processes involve changes in emotions, changes in your relationship with others, and changes in your personality make up who you are. It's not just your actions and behaviors that influence your identity, but also your interaction with other people. We all have the ability to make someone happy or sad, smile or cry, and feel a little more confident. Being able to spread happiness, spread positive thoughts and being able to focus on brightening someone's day are amazing. Remember, it all begins and ends in your mind. Do what you love and love what you do, stay happy! ♡