I graduated hs at 15.. & People were mean
(Notice how that says I, and does not involve anyone else)
Let me take you through this, because there’s something important I need to share. You see, I graduated high school at 15, and that decision, while incredibly personal, came with its fair share of judgment from others. If you didn’t know, I’ve struggled with chronic, bad asthma my entire life, and I never felt seen in the traditional school system. Every day felt like a battle for air, trying to get through my classes while relying on medication that only made things worse, I was in the hospital constantly as a child with Pneumonia. I was on Steroids most my childhood which ended in me hating my body in my early teens. It wasn’t a healthy or sustainable way for me to live, and when the pandemic hit in 2020, I finally found a way that worked for me.
I dove into online learning, something that made sense for my health and my well-being. And in doing so, I got healthier. I built up my core strength, became a yoga instructor, and finally felt like I was in control of my life. Mold and mildew—my asthma triggers—had always been a constant enemy, and I realized I didn’t need medication to survive. I was healing in a way I’d never been able to before. Why would I force myself into a mold that didn’t fit when I had found a path that honored my health, my happiness, and my future?
So, while everyone else was preparing for prom and their traditional high school journey, I was living mine—my own way. I graduated at 15, started my bachelor’s degree early, and in a twist of fate, got mononucleosis, leading to a year-long mystery of health issues before being diagnosed with POTS. That’s a blog post for another day, but the point is this: nothing about my journey has been traditional, and I am proud of that. Every decision, every challenge, has brought me to where I am now.
But here’s the thing. People were relentless. NASTY. I’ve had messages and judgments thrown my way for making decisions that didn’t fit into their narrow definitions of success. “Oh, why’d you graduate early? Why not follow the typical path?” they’d ask. And to be honest, who gave them the right to question my journey? I wasn’t out here hurting anyone. I wasn’t choosing to miss out on experiences to be rebellious or strange; I was choosing my health, my future, and my peace. Yet, I was blasted for it. I was blasted for doing what was best for me. It was a hard pill to swallow.
And the hate messages? Yeah, I got those too. People made me feel like I was doing something wrong by choosing a path that was healthy for me. They tried to make me feel small, but let me tell you something—I didn’t let that shit break me. I learned to take those words and turn them into fuel. Every judgment, every snide comment, only made me more determined to keep pushing forward.
Those people who doubted me? They’re part of my story, but they don’t define me. They didn’t know my struggle, they didn’t see what it took for me to keep going, and they sure as hell don’t know how much strength it took for me to prioritize my health over fitting into their mold. They wanted me to fit into their box, but I wasn’t about to sacrifice who I was for their comfort. They didn’t know the behind-the-scenes of my life, the pain, the resilience, the courage. But I’m proud of that. I’m proud of every step I’ve taken, and every choice I made for myself.
If you’re reading this and struggling with the opinions of others, let me tell you something important: Your path is yours to walk. You don’t have to live by anyone else’s standards. You’re not here to make anyone else comfortable or to fit into their expectations. The people who truly care about you won’t tear you down for doing what’s right for you. If they do? Let them go. It’s their issue, not yours. You get to write your own story.
For me, that meant graduating early, living a life that looked different from the typical high school journey, and not looking back. Sure, I didn’t have prom. Sure, I missed out on some things. But you know what I gained instead? Growth. Strength. Perspective. (i believe if one thing changes- everything does- So on a deeper level, I would have never broke from the shy girl to start my podcast, my food blog, or put myself out there in anyway- if 15 year old me knew i was writing a blog?? She would go throw up in the bathroom)The ability to understand who I really am, what I need, and what my boundaries are. I learned that the only validation I need is my own. And I’m living proof that when you stop living for everyone else, your life can change for the better.
So, to all the people who tried to tear me down, who thought they had the right to define my success—thank you. You’re part of my story, but you don’t get to decide my worth. And for everyone else who’s out there walking a path that others don’t understand, keep going. Don’t let their noise drown out your truth. You’re doing just fine, and more than that, you’re doing it your way—and that’s more than enough.
Tips From bestie Ry <3
1. Protect Your Energy: Be mindful of who you let in your space, both physically and emotionally. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not tear you down. It’s okay to distance yourself from negativity, even if it’s from people who are close to you.
2. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. When others’ opinions weigh heavy on you, remind yourself that you are enough. Self-compassion can help break the cycle of negativity. Celebrate the small victories, and let go of the idea that you need anyone’s approval.
3. Journaling for Clarity: When you’re overwhelmed by outside opinions, write it down. Journaling helps release bottled-up emotions and offers clarity. Write about what you’re feeling, but also what you know to be true about yourself, to combat the noise.
4. Breathe Through the Noise: It’s so easy to get caught up in other people’s voices. When you feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths. Ground yourself in the present moment. You don’t need to respond or react immediately—take a moment to center yourself.
5. Focus on What You Can Control: You can’t control what others think or say, but you can control how you respond. Let go of trying to make everyone happy and shift your focus on what makes you happy and fulfilled.
6. Mindful Movement: Whether it’s yoga, walking, or a workout, physical movement helps release stress and tension that builds from external criticism. It’s a reminder that your body is your ally, and it’s there to support you.
7. Affirmations: Empower yourself with positive affirmations. Every day, remind yourself of your worth. Some examples: “I am enough just as I am,” “I trust myself and my decisions,” “I am proud of how far I’ve come.”
8. Set Boundaries: When it comes to handling opinions, sometimes it’s okay to establish a boundary. You don’t have to engage with negative comments or people who drain you. Protecting your peace is one of the most powerful ways to guard your emotional well-being.
9. Nourish Your Body, Nourish Your Mind: Feed your body with nutritious, energizing food, but also fuel your mind with empowering content. The right podcasts, books, or even social media pages can build you up and remind you that you’re not alone on this journey.
10. Gratitude Practice: Reflecting on the things you’re grateful for can shift your mindset from the negative to the positive. Gratitude helps you focus on what’s going right and reminds you that you have a lot to be proud of.
You can connect with The Author Rylin Rossano through several online platforms:
• Instagram: Follow her at @rylinrosee for personal updates and @recipesbyry for health and wellness content.
• Podcast: Listen to her podcast, Take Care of Your Body by Ry, where she discusses health, wellness, and nutrition topics.
• Apple Podcasts: Access her podcast episodes on Apple Podcasts.
• Professional Profile: Learn more about her journey and achievements in health and wellness through her features in CanvasRebel Magazine and Bold Journey Magazine.