Miley Cyrus opens up about her evolution: “I don’t give an F about being cool”

It seems like only yesterday that Hannah Montana‘s lead star came in like a wrecking ball and surprised us all. Miley Cyrus acknowledged her changes throughout the years — and more importantly, noted how essential change can be for an individual. In a cover story with Harper’s Bazaar, Cyrus opened up about her identity, and why it’s simply not important to be “cool” anymore.

In fact, that’s something that Cyrus hopes her fans can appreciate. Instead of fitting into a certain role, Cyrus believes she’s a good role model for being real.

"I think I show people that they can be themselves," she said to the magazine. "I also think something that has been important for me, in this next little, like, transition phase of my career is that I don’t give a f— about being cool. I just want to be myself."

And, in her eyes, she’s never really stopped being herself. While she’s had a few phases (for example, “the tongue phase”) she’s seemingly been true throughout all of these years.

"I just want people to see that this is who I am right now. I’m not saying I’ve never been myself...Who I was on the last record was really who I am. It’s just myself has been a lot of different people because I change a lot," she said.

Cyrus noted that for many, “changing” is meant to sound a little derogatory — but for her, it’s just a part of human nature.

"I heard so many comments like, ‘We just want Miley back.’ But you can’t tell me who that is," she noted. "I’m right here."

We think this approach to life is totally healthy — and while we’ve always loved Cyrus, we’re embracing who she is today. These days, she’s been pretty candid about her attempts to stop smoking weed and seems to have a pretty healthy relationship with her family, as well as significant other Liam Hemsworth. We admire Cyrus — every single version of her.