Abigail Taylor

These past couple of weeks have been hectic for the beauty community on YouTube and Twitter alike. Between Tati Westbrook, James Charles, Jeffree Star, and countless others all speaking up about the issue at hand, it can get a bit overwhelming. It can be hard to keep track of whose side to be on, when there seems to be new information and receipts coming out every single day. I think that this situation is actively demonstrating the effects of cancel culture on our opinions and on how we treat those who have made mistakes, and that things are never as simple as they may seem.

About two years ago, I made the decision to go vegan, which means I consume no animal products whatsoever. Though there are many reasons why someone might choose this lifestyle, for me, it was purely an ethical choice. I wanted to lessen the suffering of innocent beings and live in a way that aligned with my morals. Don't worry, I will not ask you to go vegan. Instead, I will ask you to examine the choices you make in your everyday life and consider their impact on your health, the environment, and animals, and what you can do to make a difference.

I have thought a lot about the person I currently am and the person I want to be. It's such a long jump between the two that it sometimes feels impossible, like I will never see myself become that person. That's why I decided to write this. I want to have this idea documented so every time I feel like giving up, I can read this and remind myself of the work that still needs to be done. So here it is, the magical idea of who I one day could become, if I try hard enough. (For more poems like this, follow @morganpoetry on Instagram.)

*DISCLAIMER* I am not a professional. The things stated below are simply my experience and my opinion. Please seek professional help if you are having serious mental issues.

These songs, in no particular order, are some of the best songs I have heard in my life. Granted, I’m only 19, so I haven’t had much time yet. But, here is the best of what I have heard.

Last night, I went to the movies alone for the first time. Some of my friends were hanging out without me, which upset me, of course. Though it shouldn't have. I could have invited myself. But I didn't. I wanted someone else to invite me—to want me around. But that didn't happen, so instead of sitting at home feeling sorry for myself, I rushed to the movie theater (the movie was starting in 30 minutes) and saw If Beale Street Could Talk. It was a fantastic movie, by the way, but that's not what I want to talk to you about. I want to talk about being independent when you feel completely alone.