Where Did the Year Go????

Submitted on Sep 12, 2024 by  JustineDD

I recently celebrated my 34th birthday on July 4th and I must say it is on my top five list of favorites. Let me tell you why. Earlier this year I made it a point to do things I enjoy doing and to treat myself better. This year I was finally able to go on vacation with my best friend of 25 years that did not involve any obligations. It was a real vacation to a place on my bucket list for years. I went to Turks and Caicos with a group of women I did not know besides my bestie and her sister. Now I was nervous but also, I had not been out of the country in six years and was not going to let anyone ruin my time. I am happy to report a time was had in the most beautiful house. Next time we need to schedule more naps because age is catching up with me.

After a wonderful time celebrating my bestie's birthday, mine followed a month later. I was not able to go on vacation, but I made it a point to do what I wanted to do and not what people wanted me to do. I had gotten tired of people promising me they were going to do something and would cancel plans. My birthday consisted of a day with me and bae living our best life without being parents for the day. Getting to spend time with each other doing the things we love including a nap in between because that man knows me. The next day I went to get a massage and a pedicure. I had won a gift card for the spa over a year and a half ago and was waiting for the perfect time to use it. I really need to stop that way of thinking when it comes to me.

Later that day I got to see my other man. Now before you say OTHER MAN and get to wondering. I am talking about my man my man Chris Brown who graced me with his presence the day after my birthday for the 1:11 concert. Shout out to my mom who was my plug that night because the price I paid for my original seats should have been V.I.P. You could not tell me that man did not look me dead in my face singing to me. I attended the concert by myself because I did not want to go back and forth with someone else on what I was comfortable paying for my ticket. Like I said it worked out for me because my mom was able to get me better seats.

The celebration did not end there. I have been a resin artist since 2020 and always had people asking me do I offer classes. Without a warehouse space or going to someone's home to have the classes I did not know how I would put that vision together. When resin is poured it is in liquid form then hardens between 24 to 72 hours, meaning once the resin is poured into a mold it cannot move. I decided to test the class out my birthday weekend in my home. I recently became a balloon artist decorating events. I created a half balloon arch to showcase my new skills. Shout out to my friends who participated in the charcuterie board contest. I was able to teach various age groups on how to create resin art. Previously I only thought to provide this service to groups 21 and up. I successfully taught 12- and 13-year-olds a different form of art. That made me immensely proud. I was able to learn from my mistakes and can see me offering this service to people. I created a core memory with great people.

The best part about my birthday was I made all the decisions. I did not have a wonderful time because I was out of the country on someone's beach. It was top five on my list because I did what I wanted whether I did it by myself or included family and friends.

 

Image
Blogger Justine Davenport and logo for A Girl Like Me.

Submitted by Red40something
1

That sounds wonderful and congrats on doing it your way, under your rules. I hope this year brings more of this type of energy for you! 

Submitted by JustineDD
1

Thank you and it felt so good. Being a mom I really lost myself catering to everyone but myself. It is still a work in progress to put myself first but I try to do something for myself a few days a week.

Submitted by KatieAdsila
2

I love all of this, I could learn so much from you Sifu lol, (Sifu is a Chinese master) I spent my life trying to please everyone, then everyone was suddenly gone when I came out as trans, I spent a time of emptiness until I decided to no longer care what anyone thought of me. I realize our journeys are different but I enjoyed your perspective very much and can absolutely relate in ways and envy in others. Thank you 

Submitted by JustineDD
1

Thank you. Even though our journeys are different everyone deserves to do the things that bring them joy. Try to incorporate something for yourself weekly. It doesn't have to be big but if it is go for it!!!

JustineDD 's recent blog posts

Image

Members of The Well Project community at USCHA 2022.

Become a Member

Join our community and become a member to find support and connect to other women living with HIV.

Join now >

banner

Do you get our newsletter?

¿Recibe nuestro boletín?

Sign up for our monthly Newsletter and get the latest info in your inbox.

Suscríbase a nuestro boletín mensual y reciba la información más reciente en su bandeja de entrada.

Browse Blogs by Theme

Recent Blog Posts

Our Bloggers