Stella. 

Stella means Star in both Italian and Latin. A bright point that is visible in the night sky. Or a star could be a lead performer—someone who stands out above others. This name signifies someone who shines brightly and is the light to others’ darkness. They can always help lead the way through a murky night sky. The bliss to others’ gloomy days. Or even just a small, joyful laugh in the worst times. 

My name is an original. That leaves me to write my own story about my name. To paint my picture on the blank canvas. Somewhere along the way, a new family member may be named after me. They would have a spot to fill; a story that has already been written. They will have to color in all the empty spaces that I left on the canvas. But not me. I am here to paint a canvas about my name.

No one ever calls me anything but Stella. Not Stel, or Stelly. The simplicity of my name is enough. I don’t need to be called anything different. My identity comes from my name, along with a sense of comfort. Who I am. Through changes, my name is always my name.

Dark yellow. Stella is a dark, canary yellow. Yellow is the color of happiness and spring. Just as daffodils flourish once a year, in early spring. The timidness of the flower staying out of sight, laying close to the ground, only to die and repeat the cycle. When the yellow shines out, all the plants bloom in charm. Always reserved. Stella speaks not only with her words, but with her silence. The emptiness of the unbloomed daffodils will say just as much as the sprouted flowers. The yellow daffodils for all the joy, humbleness, and introvertness held within. 

Stella sounds relaxed. Everyone says it with an ease in their voice. Like they know of the modest personality. But there is much more to a name than the way it sounds.

For me, my name means laughter, warm heartedness, and most of all; a care for others. There is much more beyond this. But that is for me to explore and become comfortable with. So when my name is said, I need to be proud knowing all that it stands for.