Growing Up

When I was in middle school, I used to let people make choices for me 

all because I didn’t know who I was or the kind of person I wanted to be.

I remember a time when I was with a couple of “friends” and we made a list 

It was called “The True You” and it was directed at me; it was a checklist.

It stated all the things that I should change 

in order to fit in and not be so strange.

The list said to get contacts, straightened my hair 

change the way I dressed, and my skincare 

To fix my smile, and to talk more 

because if I did all of that I would be the one everyone adored.

I went along with the plan just to see if what they promised would come true

and because I wanted to become someone new.

After awhile, the list was forgotten but the feeling didn’t leave 

and I hadn’t understood back then how to find relive.

Years later, I found the list under my bed when I was about to enter high school 

and it was then I realized that I was a fool.

I didn’t have to change to be the true me 

because all along I was the true me and had always been.

I was beautiful inside and out 

and of that I didn’t need to have any doubt

However if I wanted to change something about myself, it was my choice 

because in the things that concern me, I only care about my voice.

It was in that moment that I knew who I was and who I was going to become 

and if obstacles got in the way, it would be nothing I couldn’t overcome.

That day I burnt the list and set those negative thoughts free

because in doing so I was letting myself free.

I leaned that to love yourself is to know that you don’t have to be perfect to be good

Therefore taking my first step into adulthood.