i shouldn’t
feel pressured
to prove myself to you

i shouldn’t
go sleepless
just thinking
and hurting
over your
words

i shouldn’t
wait for your approval
to live the life i want—
the life i know i’m here to live

maybe you think
i’m too young to choose,
or maybe i’m being reckless
by listening to my heart

but maybe i’ve found my purpose
and i’m strong enough to do the things
that’ll help me live it
and experience the joy
that i also know i’m here to feel