I've learned so much in only the span of a week. I have spent the last two years seeking out a connection to any guy who would give me the time of day, just so I could have a smidge of confidence. I exhausted myself, I spent time away from getting to know myself in order to know others. I left many people on read just from self-doubt alone.

Things have changed. I find myself, though as no notable figure, within a community. I find people who enjoy the things I never thought anyone would. I found people who took the time out of their day to laugh at my silly jokes. I found reason to take risks, to show off my silly self. I found everything I had been looking for in two years time.

I didn't need a relationship to teach me to love myself.

I needed to find a place I felt I belonged.

And I can now say with certainty, after battling myself as long as my memory spans back, that I belong on this earth. Even if I don't become famous or well known, respected widely or treasured, I will belong.

As long as I have a voice, and something to share, there will be someone in some place on this earth that will hear me, and I've come to learn that it does not have to be the same person every day.

All that matters is that I get to express myself, and I finally feel comfortable doing so.

So how does this tie to 196?

...Because if there was any place on this site to be a little extra silly, I've found it here.

Thank you, everyone.