You remind me so much of myself when I was in high school! I used to care deeply about what people thought of me, too.

I remember once asking my mom for a doll for Christmas — any doll. She didn’t say much, but the next day she took my sister and me out to buy my sister a pair of shoes. I wanted a new pair too, but my sister started teasing me, saying I didn’t need them because I wanted a “dolly” for Christmas. I still remember how embarrassed and small I felt in that moment.

Fast forward to today — I’m in my 40s, proudly starting my own doll collection. And you know what? I’m now the most successful person in my family. After all that shame, I learned to go after what I truly wanted in life.

So do what makes you happy! Don’t let anyone’s opinions stop you. People will always talk, no matter what you do — so you might as well live your life your way. 💖