FREE WILL IS A LOST ART

We all have free will; it's the invisible force that has led us all here today, to this very moment, to this exact blog post. Every decision we've made, every path we've chosen, has culminated in this shared experience. You can do anything, anywhere, at any time—all you have to do is find the courage to do it.

I used to be the most nervous person I knew. Not a day went by when I didn't cower at the thought of speaking, fearing someone might notice my existence. I hated who I was and what I looked like. I loathed my own reflection— I hated my stupid face, waist, and voice. I was terrified of speaking even to my friends, worried that I might say something wrong or reveal too much of myself. I wanted to be truly invisible, to fade into the background where no one could judge or criticize me.

Now, five years later, I no longer recognize that girl and I still don't know what triggered the switch in me. I've curated a small family here, a circle of friends who accept and celebrate each other's uniqueness, each person bringing their own sparkle to the table. I've been deemed the person who has inspired everyone to be their most authentic self. My roommates often tell me that I've changed them for the better by helping them care less about what others think because if there's one thing about me, I really couldn't care less what everyone around me thinks.

In fact, the other day, I painted myself purple and galavanted through the commons.

Some of you may ask, "Cambria, why the hell would you do that?" The answer is simple: because I can. The truth of the matter is this- you can do absolutely anything as long as you have the balls. Life is finite and often reaches it's last leg in the blink of an eye.

So why spend it hiding behind a façade, suppressing who you truly are? Why waste precious moments worrying about the opinions of others who are likely too absorbed in their own lives to notice? The freedom that comes with embracing yourself is unparalleled. It's liberating to act without the weight of others' expectations holding you back.

I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. Do that thing you've always wanted to do but were too afraid to try. Wear that bold outfit, sing at the top of your lungs in public, start that passion project you've been putting off. Whatever it is, take the leap. The world isn't as scary as it seems when you're authentically you.

Remember, at the end of the day, the only person you need to satisfy is yourself. Life's too short to live by someone else's rules. So go ahead—speak your mind, dye your hair a wild color, or better yet, shave it all off. Have the courage to be unapologetically you.

Because if not now, when?

Excerpts from the people who know me best:

"cambria cook is like no other person i have ever met. it is through my friendship with her that i am able to see not only myself but the world in a new light. it is through my friendship with her i am able to act authentically and not feel the judgement of anyone or anything."

"I would say you taught be to authentically be myself in a completely shameless way. A way I’ve literally never experienced before. Last year especially, I was terrified to say or do even something slightly wrong in fear of being judged. This year I’m walking outside covered in blue paint and don’t GAF one bit. That’s genuinely all thanks to you!"

"your friendship has taught me genuine support. your advice, kindness, and integrity has shown me what it feels like to be truly cared about and safe in a friendship. through this i have become a more trusting person as i have been shown there are people out there who want to best for me and will be there by my side to watch it happen."

"You taught me that real friends aren’t supposed to dictate your decisions and also showed me how I don’t always have to be funny to be a good friend and can just hangout and be myself"