I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers, and it’s okay to speak up even if it feels risky. Following your heart is important, even when it doesn’t make sense. You can’t control the future, so focus on the present and speak up when you feel compelled to do so.

These things seem really simple, but they took a lot of effort. The cycle of self-hate is a vicious one, and I’ve realized that breaking away from it  takes a lot of work. 

I have two separate Instagram accounts: one where I pretend to be effortlessly cool, fun, artsy and have my life together, and one where I’m supposed to be unfiltered, unbothered and free. And yet, here I am — filtering and bothering.