Playlist Name: Slow Down Song 1: "Weight in Gold" by Gallant Song 2: "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock Song 3: "Coffee" by Laleh and Jacob Banks Song 4: "New Heroes" by TEN Song 5: "History Repeating" by Propellerheads Featuring Miss Shirley Bassey Song 6: "Opportunity" by Bobby McFerrin Song 7: "New York" by Jake Isaac

Speaking my mind has never been a strong suit of mine. I have always been cautious about what I say around certain people because I am afraid my thoughts will upset them in some way. Recently, I realized how important speaking my truth is to my wellbeing. There was some friction between myself and my roommate because I was too scared to speak up and tell her what I needed in our living situation. When I realized I needed to speak my mind more, I became a more confident person. I was able to speak loudly and clearly, as opposed to softly and so quiet I was barely heard. Speaking my truth helped me understand myself better, and gave me a sense of independence because I wasn't letting the opinions of others affect what I chose to say. I became less isolated and more sociable, which did wonders for my mental health. Obviously, speaking your mind is not the same as saying whatever you want. One still has to put into consideration how their words can affect those around them. The key is to find a balance that is comfortable for the individual and for those around them. If you can find that balance between saying what you mean and not hurting other people, then you are equipped for hard conversations and debates with others, which will be a valuable skill for the rest of our lives.

I don't think there is one meaning of life. Everyone's meaning of life is different. The meaning of life is to accomplish the goals that you decide on yourself. It's not to fulfill anyone's expectations but your own. For me, the meaning of life is to keep dancing for as long as I physically can. If I can keep doing what I love until the day I die, then I will have lived a full life. Other people are there to help you achieve your set goals, whether that is by being there for you when it gets hard, helping you out when your struggling, or making you laugh. Other people are necessary to achieve your goals and finding those people that can truly help you and support you as you help and support them achieve each other's goals is crucial to happiness and wellbeing. As long as you find and maintain meaningful relationships with others and don't let anyone decide on your goals for you, you will have lived a fulfilled life, and you will have unlocked the meaning of life.