When I was young, I thought I didn't have a choice.

The world was decided for me.

Where to live,

Where to learn,

Where to thrive,

They all encouraged me to stay in the same place.

They told me to save my money,

They told me to not live far from home

And that I would struggle tremendously if I did.

They all wanted me to stay,

But without my approval.

I started to realize that that was not what I wanted.

I didn't want people to tell me what to do,

Or where to go.

No, it could not happen.

I couldn't let that happen.

I pushed through the hardships, rejections, and trials,

And I finally got out of the mindset

That I must do what others want me to do

Instead of deciding for myself.

So, here I am,

Living life to the fullest,

Ready to embrace every single day that is given to me,

And not taking it for granted.

But most importantly, I'm deciding what I want to do

And who I want to become.

I have grown to understand that I have my own power,

And nobody can take it away.