Wow, so much has happened since I last posted on my beloved blog. I used to adore writing in this space and sharing the ups and downs of my awkward Black girl life. I believed despite being in law school, I could remain consistent. Sadly, I overestimated my abilities and underestimated how challenging law school would be. It sucks the life out of you until the only energy you have left is spent eating a meal, showering, and hitting the pillow. To that end, I fell behind. I hope you can forgive me. Now, that I’ve graduated and begun a new chapter of my life that allows me to decide my schedule, I feel a burst of energy. How exciting to feel well enough to write again!

In other news, I turned 25 years old this month, and it has been a journey getting here. Scientifically, your brain is supposed to be fully developed at 25, so I guess there is no longer an excuse for being a knucklehead anymore. But the truth is, I still feel 12 years old—unsure of myself, worried about making friends, and fighting off acne on my forehead. All of those challenges remain, except now I have a light bill to pay too.

Recently, there’s been a saying used commonly on TikTok, “I’m just a girl”. While it’s mostly used by women 20 years and older as a funny comment about not wanting to be treated like an adult with all of the adult responsibilities, it’s sort of become an ideology or way of life to me. I think, “Crap! I made a mistake!”, but then remind myself, “I’m just a girl.” For me, it’s a small extension of grace or a minor acknowledgment that I still have so much to learn. Similar to the Hannah Montana anthem, we all need a reminder that nobody is perfect.

I recently read a criticism of this funny TikTok trend. A woman said that she thought the saying had a minimizing effect that allowed women to deny accountability. I think I disagree with this sentiment. At the end of the day, I am aware that I am an adult woman, but I also recognize that many of the struggles I face today stem from a time when I was just a young girl. To me, reminding myself that I am just a girl is truly reminding myself that there is a wounded inner child still inside of me that guides my self-consciousness. That there’s an inner child in all of us.

These days, the world requires so much of us. We have to have the most followers, the clearest skin, the healthiest relationships, the nicest car, the newest iPhone, and anything that the influencers tell us will make our lives better. It can feel so hard and exhausting to exist. But in this 25th year, I’ve decided to extend grace to myself. I may be 25, but I can still snuggle a stuffed animal after a hard day at work. I can color a coloring book when I feel anxious. I can have a playdate with my best friends. I can tell myself that when I fall, I can get back up again because life didn’t end when I was 12, and it won’t end at 25. I am just a woman, just a girl, just a human trying to navigate life’s challenges.

So, next time you feel yourself being unkind or harsh with yourself, remember there’s a little you inside just trying to figure the world out. Be patient and kind to yourself.

I hope you have a beautiful and blessed day! See you next time. x, Dom