In My Own Way

In the quiet of the night I lie awake Thoughts racing through a mind that won't take a break Labels and whispers they all weigh me down In a world that never seems to slow its pace down But I'm tired of the masking the role I've played so long Trying to fit into a world where I feel I don't belong I'm breaking free from the chains they placed Finding my voice and my own space No more living by what others say I'm learning to love myself in my own way Everyone's got plans a blueprint of my life Get a boyfriend settle down be a perfect wife But how can I commit to someone new When I'm still discovering what is true? The struggle is real but so is my will To embrace my flaws and to climb every hill I'm breaking free from the chains they placed Finding my voice and my own space No more living by what others say I'm learning to love myself in my own way In the mirror I see a face that's strong Years of hiding feeling I was wrong But now I step out into the light Embracing my journey ready for the fight No more hiding no more shame I'm standing tall reclaiming my name I'm breaking free from the chains they placed Finding my voice and my own space No more living by what others say I'm learning to love myself in my own way The past is a shadow but it doesn't define The woman I am the strength that's mine I'm charting my path no longer confined To the expectations I'm leaving behind I know it's a journey not just a race Finding myself in this vast space The weight of the world won't keep me down My spirit's unbroken I'm claiming my crown I'm breaking free from the chains they placed Finding my voice and my own space No more living by what others say I'm learning to love myself in my own way In the mirror now I see A woman strong wild and free Not defined by who I should be But by the love I have for my own identity