“When I am older, I want to be a doctor.”

Was said by many aspiring children.

“When I am older, I will be just like you.”

I want to be just like them.

I want to succeed. I want to be admired by others.

I want to be strong. I want to be experienced.

But truth hits harder than it did when we were children.

Parents want us to be better.

A better person. A better worker. A better parent.

 

But what if I can’t?

What if I can’t be better than them?

Will they still accept me then?

Will they still care about my accomplishments?

Will they celebrate me just as much?

 

Of course, I still care.

A part always will.

But I won’t spend my days worrying.

Worrying if they are happy with what I do.

Worrying if they do not agree.

Worrying if they will celebrate me.

Because I am happy.

I think for myself.

I will celebrate myself.

I am my own person now.

I will be a wildlife veterinarian.

I will go to the college of my choice.

I will choose my fate,

And I will not be disappointed.

 

So, thank you parents and teachers and counselors.

Thank you for those stressful nights.

   staying up until 3am fearing disappointment.

Thank you for the breakdowns.

   sobbing and doubting myself.

Thank you for the hit of reality.

   that these are my decisions.

   that fear of disappointment was only hurting me.

Because now I am stronger and wiser.

And now,

I am not afraid of acceptance from anyone else but myself.