There was a time when my life revolved around impressing certain people and earning their approval. Getting noticed by them, earning a little praise, being included in their circle mattered a lot. Until one day I realized there was nothing that great about them to begin with. It was my loneliness craving company, not admiration, that made me chase their attention. And once I finally got there, I discovered they were just average people with excellent PR. Somewhere along the way I even realized I was better than them in certain ways. I had simply never valued myself enough to notice my capability, honesty, and genuine nature. I was surrounded by people who knew my worth but preferred convincing me I wasn't enough. Thank goodness I realized it in time, because now the only person I try to impress is myself.