Hello, and thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the internet. I guess this is where I tell you a bit about myself and share my mission for this blog.
My name is Erin. I am a year shy of three decades on this planet. Before then, I was on Neptune 😅. Jokes aside, I am a mother of two wonderful and sometimes challenging girls and the wife of one very lucky man.
These are my people. My entire world revolves around them… most of the time. I would take a bullet for the people I love, and sometimes that kind of loyalty gets me in trouble. I have a huge heart and I really dislike confrontation. Over the last couple of years, one of my biggest goals has been setting boundaries and thinking about myself more. To say it’s been an internal struggle is an understatement. But it’s been so rewarding.
Do you see the picture above? I’m the child-sized human standing with the handsome bearded man. Because the sun was in my eyes, it’s a bit hard to see my smile. But that smile is genuine happiness. And if you knew how long it’s taken to finally take a picture where a smile doesn’t feel forced, you would be SHOOK– that’s what the hip kids are saying, right?
So, we’re gonna take it back…
Let’s take a trip down Erin’s History Lane, back to the end of high school.
I was dating a guy that was twice my age, just to spite my parents and because I needed a place to live. Looking back, the memory makes me a bit queasy because… WHAT WAS I THINKING?
I hated school, but I was an A+ student. I graduated Salutatorian of my class. And while everyone else had applied to colleges, I was busy partying with a 35-year-old 🤮.
That summer, I decided to enroll in a community college. It was cheap, far enough away that I hoped my family would miss me, but not too far that I couldn’t visit. Mind you, I didn’t have a car of my own. I was relying on my middle-aged boyfriend for that, too.
Honestly, I went to college to please my mom. For as long as I could remember, she instilled in me how important college was. And how I shouldn’t squander my talents and brains.
Freshly 18 and naive to my own desires or the idea that I could follow my own journey, I went to college. I also married the 35-year-old. I, Miss Salutatorian, failed out that summer and was divorced within four months of getting married.
A series of unfortunate events, roughly 15 pounds added to the scale, and a piling student loan debt undoubtedly put me into a funk. Long story short, that funk lasted… and lasted.
I want to make myself so happy that others get happy just by looking at me.
Yogi Bahjan
I was angry. I was unhappy with my situation. And I dwelled on everything I had ever done wrong.
I failed out of college.
I got married and divorced in the same year.
I hadn’t lost the weight I promised myself a thousand times that I would lose.
I despised my convenient store cashier job.
I felt like I was doing life wrong because I didn’t have a corporate job or a Bachelor’s Degree.
I was jealous and envious of other women and it came out as judgment and disapproval. Even with the people who were supposed to be my friends.
In fact, I had lost contact with most of the people from school
And I was in a tiny town in Wyoming with no vision of growth or change.
Why am I telling you all of this?
In order for the upcoming purpose of this blog and what I deeply feel is my life’s mission to make sense, you have to understand the backstory. What led me to this point. And why it’s so important to me.
The short and not-so-sweet is that I was a Hot Mess Express.
And if you would have told me at the age of 20-21 that I would be here, almost 30, practically in tears from gratitude and joy, I probably would have rolled my eyes at you… and then flipped you the bird.
I was an angry little woman.
But that has changed. I realized that society’s schedule of life events is not concrete. It’s a guideline for financial success. Go to college, get a BA or better yet a Masters, get a career in a high paying field, get married, buy a house, then have kids and get a dog.
But what about emotional success? Relationship success? A feeling of accomplishment for doing something you love?
It took me years to figure out that I never wanted a corporate job. I didn’t really even want to go to college; although I am a lover of learning, college wasn’t where I felt like I was supposed to be and that my talents were elsewhere.
Since I was very young, second grade to be precise, I have wanted to be a writer. Early on, I wanted to write a novel (it’s still on my list), but then I tried this blogging gig and fell in DEEP. Between the community, the connections, and the fact that I get to do what I love most, writing, I feel right at home. And it just so happens, bloggers can make a good living doing it.
If you knew me five years ago, you wouldn’t recognize me today. Not because of my aging like a fine red wine looks, but because mentally, I am a different person.
If any of the above negative self-sentiments sounds like you, I don’t want you to feel an ounce of shame. And I don’t want you to recluse and feel like you are doing something wrong.
You are right where you need to be in this moment. And the fact that you are here tells me you want more from life. Whether you want better health, to be more mindful, to let go of anger and insecurity, or to better your financial situation so you can travel. You found my blog; and if you believe in destiny, maybe this is the first clear step in your journey to self-fulfillment and genuine happiness that radiates from your core.
Let me be very clear…
Change didn’t happen overnight. It won’t for you, either.
I wish I could offer you a magic pill or be your fairy Godmother who could swirl my wand, sing you a song, and watch you transform into the woman you desire to be.
But, all good things come with time and hard work. Lucky for you, I strive to make the process enjoyable and as simple as possible. I believe embracing the journey and watching the small changes start to transpire is what keeps you motivated and appreciative.
Love the life you have while you create the life of your dreams. Don’t think you have to choose one over the other.
Hal Elrod
From the bottom of my soul, I want everyone to love their life and look back at the end of each day with gratitude, joy, and zero regret. If you aren’t happy with where you are right now, I guarantee it’s not because you purposefully chose this situation.
People often get stuck in a rut. They seem to be easy to get into, but much harder to escape from. Social media and television tell us that happiness comes from having nice clothes, new and shiny toys, a big house, or a nice car.
Those things can give you temporary happiness. But once the newness wears off, you are right back to where you were before. Sound familiar?
I know the situation all too well. But, I also managed to break the chain, find the most bona fide happiness one can imagine. And with this little slice of the internet, I want to share the lessons and experiences that have led me to this point.
Happiness is more than doing fun things. It’s about doing meaningful things.
Maxime Lagacé
Because I know that when you are happy and have attained self-fulfillment, you have uncapped potential and growth. Remember when your parents told you that you could be whatever you wanted? Well, you can. Most of it just depends on your mindset and how highly you value yourself.
So, I Hope You Are Ready to Live Your Best Life!
When you decide to read my posts and hopefully come be my friend on Facebook, I am promising you my best daily.
As someone you follow, I promise to:
- Be authentic.
- Share truthful information and not just go with the trend.
- Help you simplify your life.
- Help you become a healthier, happier version of the amazing person you already are.
- Show you how to be authenticly you, set boundaries, and feel 100% confident in doing so.
- Teach you how to become self-fulfilled.
I am eternally grateful to my readers, friends, the people who share my posts, and even those who have criticism for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
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