By : Communication Student 23
Ilustration By : Communication Student 23
In the quiet of a lonely night, my mind wandered into uncharted corners, guided by the echoes of Taylor Swift’s “The Archer.” The song became a mirror, reflecting my vulnerable self, stripped of all the masks I had carefully crafted. I felt like an archer, launching arrows aimlessly, longing to hit something real, only to wound myself time and again.
I’ve spent so long trying to be the perfect version of myself for others, bending and reshaping my values just to be accepted. But the more I tried, the more I felt myself slipping away. Smiles that once felt warm turned cold, replaced by an icy distance between who I was and who I pretended to be. Life’s diverging paths and clashing values widened the gap between us, making me realize that I couldn’t continue to walk with those whose steps no longer matched my own.
It hurt to step back from friendships that once meant the world to me. Yet, I could no longer force myself to fit into a space that no longer felt right. I chose solitude, embracing my vulnerability, and accepting that sometimes being alone is better than being surrounded by noise that no longer resonates with the heart. I often questioned myself—what was wrong with me? Why did opening up feel so heavy, and why did I always hesitate to let people in? Each attempt was met with familiar fears: fear of abandonment, fear of being wrong, fear of never being enough. As Taylor sang, “I never grew up, it’s getting so old”—it felt as if I was perpetually caught in an endless loop of doubts and uncertainties.
In time, I made peace with this solitude. Loneliness wasn’t my enemy; it was my sanctuary—a space where I could truly be honest with myself. I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness but a quiet strength, the courage to accept who I am without bending to the expectations of others.
I don’t know where this path will lead, but for the first time, I’m choosing to trust the direction that feels true. Though the journey may be lonely and filled with unknowns, I believe that every step toward self-discovery is worth taking, even if it means parting ways with those who no longer understand.
