I used to be covered in filters

They draped my body like exotic cloths

I smiled when other people smiled

Laughed at other peoples' jokes

Lived other peoples' lives

But I never lived my own

Until, at some point, I realized--

This is my life

So I began tearing the filters off and living it

I couldn't care less about others' thoughts now

If they think I'm weird, does that affect me?

Life is short and I'll live it my way

So I carry Spongebob folders with me

Wear geeky shirts starring Doctor Who characters

Declare my love for Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Twitter

Post long tributes to Leonard Nimoy (R.I.P.) on Facebook

No, no one else cares

But I do, and that's what counts

Maybe I'm not even remotely popular anymore

(Five Instagram likes? That's a new record!)

But who cares? I know I don't

In the end, that's all that counts