This is most certainly something that feels out of space for me. For those who know me, I tend to keep to myself and only share and open up if I feel comfortable and build a close bond with you. Not to be cliche, but a lot of my introverted self has been masked by my experiences with life and people. And let's be real here. I am 33 years old, and I know that I will probably be tested a lot more throughout my life, but mistakes are what makes you grow and understand yourself.
So here I go. From hard to soft.
#1 Moving to another country at the age of 7
I was born in France and moved to Germany with my mom and two sisters when I was 7 years old to live with my now stepdad. Although it impacted me to lose friends (and yes it can impact your life even at a young age) I am happy to say that I still have contact with some of them and that I think about my time back home a lot.
#2 Transitioning to a new country
Growing up as a mixed child (My mom is French and white and my dad is African and black) in Germany would be thought to be extremely hard. However, it was not until my year abroad as an AuPair that it became apparent to me. My teenage years in Germany were marked by my best friends, my boyfriend, gaining weight, failing in school, struggling to fit in intellectually, partying, and ultimately making the decision to do a year as an AuPair in the USofA.
#3 Moving again, but now 5,000 miles across the ocean
Coming to the USofA at the age of 19 changed my life in so many different aspects. Stepping out of my comfort zone to learn a new language and living with total strangers who are now my second family. Not knowing what life had in store for me while all my friends back home had started college. Living so far away from home and being independent at such a young age. Making the decision to then ultimately start school here after my AuPair year was over.
#4 Realizing that I was not dumb after all, I just needed time
Graduating in Germany in a class of about 40 people I graduated in the bottom 10 and graduated amongst now about 20-30 people who became doctors, lawyers, business men and women. Coming to the USA on my own gave me the time and patience I needed to not only find myself away from everything else, but to also realize that the label or category I put myself in at such a young age didn't have to exist anymore. I graduated from community college after 1.5 years, completed my bachelor's in psychology within another 2 years, started my first master's degree in mental health counseling to realize that I was meant for something else and finally graduated in 2012 with my masters in business management. And all that with just $10,000 in debt.
#5 Opening a business during the pandemic with a 9 months old and ft job
Yes, you heard that right. I am quite honest when I say I am not sure why I did that to myself at the time. Looking back, I know now that it was to ultimately have a legacy to leave behind for my daughter. Although it is hard (yes, still working full-time with a now 2 year old and a business) It brings me so much joy to feel so accomplished.
#6 I can be your best friend, but if you burn me it will never be the same
I consider myself a very loyal and honest friend. I devote everything I have into friendships that I care for. My time, my advice, my love, my presence (although I should work on the latter more but life happens and with a lot going on it is difficult. But the true friends will always understand). So if I find myself in a situation where I am being burned by someone I devoted everything I had to offer to....oh well it will simply never be the same.
#7 My dog Bubba has my heart
For those who know me know that Bubba has my heart - heck I even say he was my first born. I have been a dog lover since I can remember, and getting my now 6 year old dog shaped my life in so many ways. In fact, he is the reason I stopped partying and took my life more and more seriously because I didn't want to leave him alone at night. I used to snuck him into my boyfriends' (now husband) house to hang out because I wouldn't want to hang out without him. We were a packaged deal. (And yes my daughter is the love of my life and will most likely take up an entire blog post to show how she has changed my life).
#8 Build a forever home with my family
It has been my dream for a long time to build our forever home. I want it all. Big, luxurious, with all the amenities possible. It sounds far away but for all that know me I could care less about expensive things, clothes etc. In fact, I just leased myself my first Mercedes last year and I feel horribly guilty about it ever since. I love it, but every month when I pay that bill, I feel guilty. But having a big house with all amenities and luxurious feel is simply a must for me and when that happens, I will ultimately feel like I have made it.
#9 Knowledge is power
I love educating myself every day. Whether it is listening to podcast surrounding my business, reading books, and training. I believe that anyone can be smart if they want to, all they need is time. Not everyone learns the same way but if we have the time, we can have the knowledge.
#10 Favorites and Pet Peeves
Favorites: Seeing my daughter grow and learn, travelling, Houston's Restaurant, Honest people, Bubba.
Pet Peeves/dislikes: Tardiness, dishonest people, non-motivated people, Brussel sprouts, anchovies, cold weather.
Et Voila! If you are still here, high five lol! Thank you for listening and being interested in learning more about me. Let me know what surprised you the most or what you can related to the most.