As I start to mature and actually grow into a young adult I came to realise how important it is to be yourself and not let others dictate who you are as a person. Ever since I graduated I took time to reflect on myself and came to a realisation that I had never been myself I was always taking bits and pieces of others and putting them together to make the so called me. It took 4 long years to learn that it’s alright not be be liked but it’s not alright to not like who you are because you only have yourself I just wanted to say that it does get better I was in a really dark place for 2 years I don’t think I fully stepped out of it but I don’t let it hinder me either. If you exist people who are like you will exist too just be yourself!
That’s all I just wanted to share my own thoughts
Hey @user1373. Your reflection carries so much wisdom. I just want to acknowledge how beautifully you’ve captured something that a lot of people your age (and even older) are still wrestling with. It’s not easy to unlearn years of shaping yourself around others’ expectations. The fact that you’re giving yourself permission now to like who you are is powerful. You’re right that being yourself might mean not everyone likes you, but it also means the people who do connect with you will see the real you, and that’s so much more fulfilling.
You mentioned you’re not fully out of the dark place yet. Is there anything that’s been helping you stay grounded as you continue this journey?
Thank you for reminding all of us here that self-acceptance matters more than external approval 
hey @user1373 ,
I love your insights! i wholeheartedly agree with you.
Like you mentioned, being yourself and being true to yourself is the best thing you can do for yourself in the long run. Self love and self care is really important to avoid burnout, make yourself happy, and truly become friends with people who see you for who you are. Life is too short not to be true to yourself! I’m so glad that you brought up this topic, thank you for sharing!
have a great week ahead! 
Hello @user1373 , thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your journey. I really resonate with what you said about how important it is to be yourself and not let others define who you are. It’s so easy to lose ourselves while trying to fit in or be like others, but the truth is, you are already enough just as you are.
What you’ve done looking inward and realizing that you were piecing together parts of others instead of embracing your own unique self takes a lot of bravery and self-awareness. That kind of reflection is not easy, and I’m really proud of you for taking those steps.
It’s inspiring to hear that even though you’ve faced some dark times, you’re continuing to move forward without letting those struggles hold you back. That strength and resilience will carry you far. And your reminder that “if you exist, people like you will exist too” is such a powerful and hopeful message.
Thank you for sharing this and reminding all of us that there’s always hope for a brighter tomorrow. Keep being true to yourself, you’re doing amazing!
hey @user1373 thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt thoughts. It brings in so much of hope despite the difficult places we have been to at different points, yet it is so important to be yourself and there is power in being grounded and feeling you are enough the way you are.
Reading this definitely brings in hope for all of us too. You’ve got this.
This spoke to me!! I feel like I think this quite often as I grow more and more, but never really put it into words exactly.
It really feels like a journey of self-discovery amidst different expectations and connections to others, and at the end of the day, liking yourself is the basis and foundation for other aspects of our lives to be build upon!!!
Thank you for sharing 
and it’s such happy thing to hear your sharing :’)