I built a house out of other people's voices,

then wondered why I couldn't sleep inside it.

I wanted to be perfect

before I even started.

Then one wrong opinion came.

It sank into my heart.

I embraced it.

I let it stay.

And slowly,

it changed me.

I started fading,

giving up on the things I once dreamed about.

What once looked like my future

now looked worthless.

I tried to escape,

but my fear followed me.

I couldn't understand

how something that looked beautiful,

like a flower,

could hurt so much.

I was caught in its thorns.

I cried.

Then I went back

to where I had stopped.

I faced my fear

and fought the doubt beside it.

I stopped trying to be perfect.

I stopped waiting to feel safe.

I held on to my faith.

Because I still believe

there is a brighter life ahead.

Maybe I wasn't lost.

Maybe I just listened

to too many voices.