I'm Not Who I Used To Be Poem by Vanessa Alvarez

I'm not who I was, I've weathered the storm,
I've changed through the fire, reshaped every form.
I've carried the weight of betrayal and loss,
And learned that my peace comes at a cost.

I've taken the hits, I've swallowed the lies,
I've wiped my own tears and silenced the cries.
I used to bend just to keep others pleased,
Now I stand firm, my spirit released.

I don't take the nonsense, the guilt, or the blame,
I don't play the fool in their selfish game.
I've learned to choose me, to guard what I feel,
To honor my heart and let myself heal.

So yes, I've changed — and pain made it so,
It taught me to rise, to let the past go.
I'm stronger, I'm wiser, I'm finally free—
I'm not who I was, I'm who I should be.