Part 1. I grew up not knowing who I was I was taught to dim my light and keep it locked in the corner of my heart I was taught to stay quiet and shape me according to their patterns I was taught that I was weak and helpless sometimes not enough, other times too much I was taught to be ashamed of not belonging I was taught to silence my inner voice and only repeat their words as my truth I was taught to fear the unknown to fear risks to choose others over me and prioritize their needs over my own Part 2. I grew up wanting to scream I grew up believing something was wrong with me since I could not adjust to their needs or wants I tried, I did try so hard but there was something inside me rebelling, fighting I grew up with an internal conflict wishing to be like someone else: an easy-going person, not so conscious, ignorant, simple thinking maybe it would all be easier for me I grew up wanting to break away leave the prison called “home” behind just find those wings they hid from me put them on my back spread them and fly the hell away I grew up always looking for myself in other people’s eyes Waiting for their approval, validation, their acceptance measuring my worth based on if they loved me not understanding that their inability to love had nothing to do with me Part 3. I grew up to be what I am today I grew up far away from myself fighting for the freedom to find me: the one they never recognized the one they rejected the one they feared But now Now I’ve decided to embrace my imperfection to accept that I may be too much for some people Still I am going to let my light shine freely I am not going to shrink to fit anyone’s low standards I am not going to apologize for always choosing me I am one hell of a woman I am full of life, passion, and love I am both strong and delicate But more than that I am true to myself And I am not going to apologize for that