In an endless of ocean of social media, I crave myself.

I crave the calmness of being at peace.

I crave true emotions and real connections.

Not being perfect and loving my imperfections.

Not caring what others are doing or who bought the latest gadget.

Accepting the unreality of social media.

Understanding the wisdom of my life lessons.

Knowing I have a unique voice no one else does.

Calming down the outside world to hear my true desires.

Listening to my authentic self.

For life has taught me lessons that are unique to me.  No one has experienced the world through my eyes, and no one ever will.  The highs have been great, and the lows have made me feel like a bottom dwelling amoeba.

I know money, nor fame, nor the ability to brag about how wonderful my life is all the time will bring me any sort of joy and contentment.

True happiness comes from within.

True happiness isn't formed by other's standards but only my own.

And finding happiness means digging through all the bull of life to find myself in a place I never thought I would be.

If you had told me 10 years ago I would be where I am now, I would have laughed in your face.  But as my 25 year old self could not predict the future, I cannot as well.

Happiness is what I make out of life's twists and turns.

And during this season of reflection, I'm making a choice to finding my authentic self again.  For she has disappeared amongst daily pressures, social pressures, and pressures put only upon myself by myself.

I do not fit into a mold.  I am not a lemming in a world of lemmings.  I will not jump off the bridge just because everyone else is.

I will continue my journey of life following the light through the dark paths, weaving my way through the mazes in front of me.  And most importantly, not giving up when it would be the easier thing to do.

As Dr. Seuss states in 'Oh, The Places You'll Go!',

“You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted.
But mostly they're darked.
A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?”  

“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”