I used to be a piece of black slate, blending into the background, too afraid to stand out

But now I am a glossy mirror, reflecting who I am with pride and embrace.

I used to be a cold, stiff glacier, frozen on the spot, awkward and unsure

But now I am a free flowing river, always in motion and not afraid of change.

I used to be the quietest wallflower, listening to all, yet never speaking a word

But now I am a chatty bird, mouth moving so fast, all words are jumbled together.

I used to be a lighthouse on shore, searching out at sea for what I wanted most

But now I am the most accurate compass, pointing in one clear direction, toward ambitious intentions.

I used to be what everyone else was, just trying to fit in, that’s all I wanted

But now I am just simply myself, just me–myself–and no one else.