I’m Glad I Didn’t Believe You When You Said I Wouldn’t Make It

I’m glad I didn’t believe you when you said my talent was meaningless. When you said my talent should remain a hobby, something to do when I’m bored because it’s not real. I’m glad I didn’t take your advice when you asked me to work on other things because you didn’t think my talent would get me anywhere. I’m glad I listened to my voice instead of listening to your noise.

I’m glad I didn’t listen to you when you told me that I should stay quiet. I’m glad I found a way to use my words. I’m glad I found a way to roar when you asked me to be silent. I’m glad I found people who gave my words meaning. I’m glad I found people who agreed with me. I’m glad I found people who actually think I have something important to say because you always thought I was useless.

I’m glad I didn’t learn how to love from you. I’m glad I knew that this was not love. I’m glad I found the kind of love you weren’t able to give me. I’m glad I fought for the kind of love you never introduced me to.

I’m glad your love served as an example of how not to love someone because now I know how to lift people up instead of breaking them. Now I know how to make someone feel worthy instead of making them feel like they’ll never be good enough.

I’m glad I didn’t let you dictate my life because you don’t even have one. Your life revolves around you. Your life is nothing but a series of selfish decisions followed by hurting the ones you love. Your life is one big lie you’re living because you don’t want to change. You’re in denial and you wanted to me join you in your denial. You wanted company and I refused to be your plus one. I refused to be the person you brainwash. I refused to be the person you destroy.

I’m glad I didn’t give you the power to destroy me because that’s all you know how to do. I remember when you told me that I’d be nothing without you and that I’ll always fail if you’re not there to guide me but I only found my worth after leaving you. I only believed in myself after following my own directions. I’m glad I didn’t follow you. I’m glad I didn’t let you drive.

I’m glad you told me I was nothing because that made me want to be everything.

It made me want to prove you wrong. It made me want to build an empire so I can look at you one day and tell you that this is who I became without you. This is how I’m living after I kicked you out. This is my empire and you’re not welcome here.

I’m glad I didn’t believe anything you told me. Even though I was young, something always told me that you’re not someone I want to listen to. You’re not a person I want to look up to. You’re not someone I want to mirror. And maybe this is what made all the difference. Watching you do everything your way and deciding that I should do the exact opposite. Reading the manual you wrote and tearing it to pieces.