Welcome to the story of my life—filled with twists, turns, and the ever-present quest for lasting connections. Join me as we traverse the landscapes of Minnesota, Arizona, Washington DC, and Virginia, back to Arizona, and finally, California, where the golden shores await and I finally found home
As an only child, solitude was both my sanctuary and my curse. While it allowed for moments of introspection, it also left me longing for companionship that endured. Growing up in Elk River, Minnesota, where the rhythm of life was dictated by the ebb and flow of moving boxes, I found it tough to hang on to friends. With divorced parents and a single mother that forced us to move every time the rent went up, I became intimately familiar with the art of adaptation. From one neighborhood to the next, from one school to another, I chased the elusive dream of stability amidst the ever-changing landscape of my upbringing. With each move, I yearned for stability, for friendships that transcended the transient nature of my upbringing.
High school provided a glimmer of hope as I found solace among the football team as their team manager. Those friendships, forged through shared experiences and mutual support, provided a glimpse of the lasting connections I craved. Yet, even amidst the cheers of victory and the feel of friendships, I never quite felt like I belonged.
College beckoned, leading me to Winona State University, where I hoped to find stability and maybe even a sense of belonging. Yet, a toxic relationship followed and moving to Arizona seemed like a good idea. Fortunately, once I transferred to Arizona State University, I found happiness in a newfound best friend. We were inseparable for the next three years. We laughed, we cried, but when the time came to spread my wings after graduation, the friendship was never the same.
Going home to the Land of 10,000 Lakes after graduation only left me grappling with ghosts of friendships past. It's funny how time can change people, isn't it? And sometimes, going back only serves to highlight how much you've outgrown the past. Living in Minnesota again was a bittersweet reunion—a reminder of missed opportunities and faded memories. It was a sobering realization that sometimes, going back means confronting the ghosts of our past and only serves to highlight how much you've outgrown the past.
Deciding to return to Arizona, where familiar faces and cherished memories awaited, held the promise of rekindling old friendships and finding solace in the embrace of loved ones. However, the reality proved to be far more complex. Despite the comfort of returning to a place I once called home, I quickly realized that time had woven new threads into the fabric of my relationships. The bonds that once felt unbreakable had been strained by the passage of time and the divergent paths we had taken. It was a stark reminder that moving away and coming back does not always guarantee a seamless reunion; instead, it can unearth buried tensions and unspoken expectations.
In the midst of this tumultuous reunion, I found myself grappling with the painful realization that even the closest of friendships are not immune to the ravages of time and distance. My best friend, the one person who truly understood me, had drifted away in the currents of life's complexities. A major fight erupted, fueled by unresolved emotions and unmet expectations, leaving behind a rift that I still carry with me to this day. It was a regrettable moment, a fracture in a bond that I had cherished deeply. Despite my efforts over the years to mend what was broken, the damage had been done, and the echoes of our falling out serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human connections.
Moving to Virginia marked a pivotal chapter in my life—a leap of faith fueled by the hope of love and the promise of new beginnings. It was a bold decision driven by the desire to bridge the geography that separated me from my long-distance boyfriend, who held the key to unlocking the mysteries of my heart. Relocating to Washington DC and Virginia would be the catalyst for building the friendships I had long yearned for—a chance to cultivate deep connections and weave the tapestry of my social circle with threads of trust and belonging. Fortunately, my then boyfriend- now husband, shared my alma mater, Arizona State University, providing us with a shared history and a common bond that transcended distance.
As we settled into our new life in Virginia, we embraced the vibrant energy of the ASU alumni community, finding solace and solidarity in the familiar faces of our alma mater. Together, we embarked on a journey of finding our people, weaving the threads of friendship with the shared experiences of our college days. However, beyond the confines of our alma mater, the landscape of friendships proved to be a tumultuous terrain, marked by fleeting encounters and transient connections. In the hustle and bustle rhythm of Washington DC, friendships came and went like the passing of the wind, leaving behind a trail of bittersweet memories and unspoken farewells.
For nine years, we navigated the ebb and flow of friendships in the bustling corridors of Washington DC, yet despite our efforts, the sense of fulfillment remained elusive. The friendships we forged were often transient, short-lived encounters with military personnel and congressional staffers whose time in the nation's capital was as fleeting as the seasons. The realization dawned upon us that living in DC was no longer enough to sustain our souls. And so, with hopeful hearts and a yearning for home, we made the decision to return to Arizona for the third time, in search of the elusive sense of belonging that had eluded me for so long.
Returning to Arizona for the third time held the promise of familiarity and roots, yet this time, the landscape felt foreign, lacking the sense of home we had longed for. Despite our efforts to integrate into the community by attending ASU events and reconnecting with old friends, the weight of family issues and the pervasive toxicity of our surroundings became overwhelming. We tried our hardest to make it work, but the toxic family relationships in Arizona proved too much to bear. In 2023, we faced a crossroads, recognizing that our well-being and happiness were paramount. With heavy hearts but unwavering determination, we made the bold decision to leave Arizona behind and embark on a new chapter in California, where my husband's roots ran deep, and the promise of a fresh start beckoned us with open arms.
California, with its sun-drenched shores and endless horizons, held a magnetic pull on my soul from the moment I first set foot on its sandy beaches in 2011. Standing on the shore, the rhythmic melody of the ocean waves serenaded me, whispering secrets of belonging and fulfillment. It was as if the ocean itself called out to me, beckoning me to embrace its boundless expanse and find solace in its timeless embrace. Over the years, the allure of the ocean only grew stronger, tugging at my heartstrings and reminding me that true happiness lay in living by the water's edge. And so, when the opportunity arose to make California our home, it felt like the universe had conspired to fulfill a destiny.
Moreover, the serendipitous connection to California was further cemented by my husband's roots in Los Angeles, where the majority of his childhood friends still reside. Despite my struggles with friendships in the past, my husband's steadfast circle of companions welcomed us with open arms, enveloping us in a warm embrace of love and community. It was a revelation to witness the enduring bonds of friendship that spanned generations, tracing back to his parents' era and now extending to our own children. Within this tight-knit community, I found my people—a group of kindred spirits who accepted me for who I am and embraced me as part of their extended family. In their embrace, I discovered a sense of belonging that I had long yearned for, solidifying my conviction that California was not just a place, but a home where my soul could truly flourish.
The Mommy Blogger Tribe emerged as a beacon of light in my journey through the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Introduced to me by my dear friend, I found myself drawn into a community that radiated warmth and acceptance. Led by the founder, whose close friendship with my dear friend bridged our paths. The tribe became a sanctuary for me, where mommy bloggers gathered to share their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs.
In January, I took the leap and made the decision to join the Mommy Blogger Tribe—a decision that would alter the course of my life in ways I could never have imagined. From the moment I stepped into their fold, these extraordinary women opened their hearts and their lives to me, embracing me as one of their own. Through their guidance and mentorship, I learned not only how to navigate the intricate world of content creation but also how to cultivate a business that resonated with my passions and values. As we embarked on this journey together, they showed me how to grow as a content creator, pushing the boundaries of my creativity and experiencing all that Los Angeles, California, and the world have to offer with fresh eyes and an open heart. Their unwavering support and belief in me have transformed my life in ways I cannot fully express, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
As the waves of the Pacific Ocean beckon me home, I embrace the realization that I've finally found my place in the world—a serene convergence of friendship, community, and fulfillment. Here, amidst the enchanting aura of Los Angeles, I've uncovered the essence of true belonging. Though my journey has been marked by twists and turns, each path has led me to this moment—a sanctuary of sunshine, companionship, and the essence of California lifestyle, which I now cherish more than ever. With a heart filled with gratitude and a newfound sense of purpose, I cast my gaze upon the horizon, where the sun gracefully dips beneath the glistening waters of the Pacific.
It is here, in this tranquil moment, that I recognize the ultimate adventure lies in self-discovery—the voyage that guided me to the welcoming shores of California, where I not only found my tribe but also discovered my true self. As I draw in a deep breath, savoring the salty breeze and the promise of tomorrow, I am reassured that the finest chapters of my life are yet to unfold. For within the embrace of the California lifestyle, I've unearthed my home, my heart, and the very essence of my happiness.
Stay tuned as I navigate this new found love of California and explore the vastness my new home. Let's go on the adventure together!
With love, light, and boundless gratitude,
Erin 🌟✨
🏖️ Follow my daily adventures on Instagram 🌊
Love and cherish you forever friend! So glad you came to California and connected with all of us!