I once deleted a photo 10 minutes after posting. Because it “didn’t get a response.” And it was a revelation.
I felt great then. I liked the shot, I was myself, without a filter, without masks. And still — I succumbed to the feeling of “didn’t like it.”

Sometimes we live through the eyes of others.
We wear what is “in fashion.”
We write what “will go well.”
We shoot so that “people will understand.”

And we lose ourselves.
In adolescence, this is understandable — you want to be a part of something. But then it turns into a habit.
Expectation of likes.
The need for confirmation.
Fear that someone will judge.

I began to notice how often I say "is it okay?" after any idea. As if my feelings need approval. And I began to fight it.
I asked myself: "And if no one sees, will you still do it?"
And I realized that yes. Which means it is real.

Other people's opinions are not evil. But they should not be a navigator.
I am learning to value myself for my choice, my taste, my thoughts.
Sometimes without feedback.
Sometimes in silence.

Perhaps happiness is doing, being, feeling... even if no one is watching.