Confessions
My whole life I was told who to be, how to act, speak, think, etc. Once I finally got the courage to put an end to all of that and live for me, I realized it meant cutting toxic people out of my life. With support, I was able to do that. It took years for me to finally get to where I am today. However, there are still days when I find myself missing those toxic people (for some reason) but a quick reminder of why things have to be the way they are, and I am over it. My biggest accomplishment after doing this is that I have finally found my voice. I choose to no longer allow people to shut me up just because they disagree. I no longer feel guilty when doing self-care or anything for myself for a change. I no longer live my life how others wanted, I live for me. I have a voice, a mind, an opinion....and I make myself heard now! No more clamming up to suit others....Now I stand firm in who I am and after so many years of hating me, I finally LOVE me!! 
@mscoxie Wow, what an achievement! That is awesome! Being you own cheerleader and best friend is such a worthwhile, but difficult goal to reach. Thank you for opening up about your experience and inspiring others to do the same.
Although I don't struggle as much as you did, I do often value other people's opinions more than my own, and I feel safest when I know that I am doing what is expected of me. A few weeks back, I had a small(ish) epiphany when I realized that I had to learn to give a flying f*** about other people's opinions sometimes, especially concerning my personal future, and that I should make a habit of asking MYSELF for advice. This, of course, has proven to be very hard, since it often seems to me that this is a part of who I am as a person. I hope I can make progress with this matter like you did and find a greater sense of direction and self-acceptance from within. One day, I will be my own cheerleader! 
@UmbrElla1413 Thanks so much for your kind words! It means a lot :)