I was who I was then, and I am who I am now, but I am not the same person I was then.

 　　 We've all gone through infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood… and those stages yet to come! We've all crawled, stood, walked, and run! We've all been innocent, lively, and cheerful, and now we're profound, silent, and speechless!

　　 As a child, I envied adults who could buy whatever they wanted, always wanting to grow up quickly; my childhood dreams were crystal clear. Now, as an adult, I envy the carefree days of childhood, always lamenting, "If only I had done things differently back then, things wouldn't be like this now." My childhood dreams have become blurred! The age-old

　　 saying, "We only know how to cherish something after we lose it," is true. Even though we all understand this, we still experience the pain of loss before we appreciate its beauty. That's because you can never truly understand the wisdom of those who came before you.

　　 I used to be carefree, always dreaming of growing up, taking my parents on trips, buying them things they liked, earning lots and lots of money, and making many friends! But after experiencing betrayal from friends, I've forgotten how to treat others sincerely, and I can no longer see the kindness others show me! The cruelty of reality has left me feeling lost and unable to move forward! The rapid development of electronic technology in modern society has turned us into "smartphone addicts," completely forgetting how to strive and work hard, and communication with peers has gradually decreased! We spend more and more time in the virtual world!

　　 Our past dreams have been lost, and I am now more complacent with the status quo! My former personality has become increasingly unlike what I used to be! We always regret the past, but we can't bring

ourselves to change and create a better future!

　　 Small goals are always achieved only accidentally years later. We always tell ourselves we won't stay up late starting tomorrow, but our "tomorrow" has already passed by more than a month! I hate who I am now, and I hate even more that I know myself so well yet don't change!

　　 Did reality defeat us, or did cowardice defeat us? Actually, neither. We gave up on ourselves, so we defeated ourselves! I used to be simple, cute, and carefree; now I am anxious, worried, and troubled. I will never become the person I used to be, but I can decide who I will become in the future!