I settled (Sonnet)

I'm an example of what not to do,
A living portrait of who not to be.
Whatever you do, for your whole life through,
It's best if you never emulate me.
I let all the wrong people gain my trust,
I let others dictate who I'd become.
I gave up my dreams, let my talents rust,
And wasted time trying to please ev'ryone,
Til I was a shadow without any voice,
And numbness was my only true feeling.
I settled for living without a choice,
Til my soul died and I was left reeling.
If you have the chance to live and fly free,
Let go of all your doubts and simple BE!