Simply Dominique

Birthdays are always a reflective time for me. I always reflect on the past year and outline personal growth goals for the new year. This birthday is even more reflective, because it’s also the year of my 10th year high school reunion. It kind of has me taking a trip down memory lane; however, it also makes me feel kind of old, and I don’t like that.

As I continue to grow into the Dominique that I desire to be, I think about me at 18, and how I have grown so much since then.

18-year-old Dominique

At 18, I had all of these plans and dreams of what my future would be like. I was a dreamer, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I mean I’m sure we all fantasized about being in our early 20s with the great career, family, house, and the whole 9. HA! I find that laughable now. But while I fantasized about my potential future, my reality was quite different. I knew people and people “knew me,” but I wasn’t really social; however, 18-year-old me wanted to be wanted. I wanted to feel like I belonged and I didn’t always feel that way. I wasn’t yet comfortable with who I was and I hadn’t really developed my voice, which made for a lot of sucky times. I doubted myself often and didn’t realize my true potential. I was a middle person who coasted through the middle. 18-year-old me wasn’t all sad tales though. I was, and still am, a lover of love, and I love seeing the beauty in things and people. I wasn’t much of a risk-taker, still not really, but I was an adventurer on the inside.

28-year-old Dominique

As I step into 28-year-old me, I am a lot more comfortable with who I am, though I am still learning more about myself each and every day. I am comfortable with and really enjoy being alone: it’s very peaceful. PLUS, I enjoy my own company. I’m a cool girl!! I know that now! I’m more of an adventurer, and I like to enjoy life, and do what makes me happy, even if others don’t agree. Yes, I can still be awkward at times, and can be dramatic and stubborn, BUT I love each and every part of me, mostly. Just being honest.

Celebrating year 28, I am grateful for the growth that has taken place in me, and I pray that I continue to grow and mature. If nothing else, I just want to be me. Simply.