In these teenage years, where everyone is busy finding themselves, their future careers, partners, and friends, you may get lost trying to follow suit. Not everyone is meant to follow along at the same pace. It’s not a reason to beat yourself up. While the people around you change and decide that their changed self does not need you in their life anymore, focus on yourself and watch everything else fall in place. Trust me on this. Real friends never truly leave you. And not every person in your life is meant to stay. Some are just meant to teach you something. Let it be good or bad. You can’t force people to see the good in you. Sometimes you have to let them miss out. The more you find yourself, the more people you’ll lose. Not everyone can handle seeing you blossom in the finest light. Some may distance for their eyes can not take up all of the brightness that you carry around. Just don’t lose yourself. Don’t let yourself change to please the environment you’re in. ‘Cause at the end, when everybody leaves, which they surely somehow will, you’ll be left alone with the version of yourself you never wanted to become. When there’s no one left to please, will you be pleased with yourself? Or will you regret the choices you’ve made? Choose to grow, no matter if you have a crowd of people with you, one person around or not even one. Surely, when you run towards your goals, the things that are meant for you follow. Be yourself, for you are unique, and not everyone is meant to see you shine. Applaud those who stick around to see all your highs and lows. And promise me not to lessen yourself for the comfort of others. You'll thank the people that left you later, for they just gave you space to grow. And remember, when somebody shows you their real colours, it’s not your job to repaint them. A person who truly cares for you will never allow themselves to be put in a position where they could lose you. Accept that it’s their loss and move on to the next chapter of your life. You’re beautiful, in and out, and not everyone is meant to witness that. Prioritise yourself, for you’re the main character of your life. Don’t give up on your story, the side characters weren’t in focus anyways. Carefully write the book of your life and do not dare to hand somebody else the pen. Every line matters.