I Choose Me This Time

I gave my heart like a lifeline

To everyone else but me

Held the world on my shoulders

While I forgot how to breathe

Always said "yes," kept the peace

Even when it broke me down

Played the hero in their story

But now I'm not backing down

Used to think love meant sacrifice

Till I lost my own reflection

Now I see the girl inside

Deserves her own protection

I choose me this time

No more standing in the shadow of their lives

I'm not selfish, I'm just finally alive

Took the backseat too long, now I drive

I choose me-this time, this time

They called it strength when I stayed

Even when my spirit cried

I painted smiles for the pain

But now I let the truth shine

I'm not a fixer, not a cure

For wounds I didn't make

I'm not the glue for broken hearts

While mine is left to break

I've been quiet for too long

But silence never saved me

Now I sing my healing song

And let the freedom raise me

I choose me this time

No more standing in the shadow of their lives

I'm not selfish, I'm just finally alive

Took the backseat too long, now I drive

I choose me-this time, this time

No shame in saying "I need space"

No guilt in walking my own way

I've been the sun for everyone

Now it's time I feel my rays

I choose me this time

With my scars and my stars, I rise

Not a maybe, not a whisper-I'm the light

Took the long road, but I've arrived

I choose me

This time

This time