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Hi, I'm Erin!

I am a photographer passionate about the outdoors, meaningful travel, creativity and intention in all things. I hope to use my platform online to show the beauty and complexity of the world we live in, and to encourage genuine connection to the world and all the magic within it.

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One day a couple of years ago, I decided I wanted to share my experiences in photos and writing.

I had recently bought my first (cheap smartphone. I downloaded social media platforms I didn’t know how to use. I picked a name. I bought this website. I didn’t know what it was going to become. I didn’t even do anything with it for six months.

In December 2014, I posted my first article here.

What was I thinking when I started this blog?

I was 24. I was dealing with a recent breakup, questioning my career path and working with a lot of the things I felt I “should” have been doing. Grad school. Finding a “real” job. Figuring out the next step.

The blog was just an experiment. A hobby. I spent a lot of time looking at travel, adventure and lifestyle bloggers. I took note of the big influencers within each space and I tried to learn from what they were doing. I paid attention to the parts of their work that really spoke to me. I was interested in how people shared their passions and what went into a story worth telling.

But I firmly believed that there was no room for another adventure blogger– and even if there was, I never thought I’d get to the level of “success” that I saw in those folks I used to stalk the s$!t out of. I thought the market was already saturated. I thought someone out there was saying what I wanted to say, but better. And I didn’t think anyone would read my blog– how were they even going to find out about it in the first place?

Reality, two years later:

  • I wasn’t trying to make this my job, but now it is.
  • I never thought I would call myself a blogger, but that is now how I describe my profession.
  • I didn’t think it was possible to reach people from all over the world with my work, but I now do (where are you reading this from?)
  • I never thought that the very people who inspired me online would be my real life friends, but they now are.

And it wasn’t like I didn’t want that stuff to happen, I just didn’t believe that it could.

Two years later, this means something much more than I ever expected. What this journey has showed me is that there was always room for new ideas, new people, new relationships, and new experiences. It was on me that I didn’t believe in that.

There is room for you in whatever you decide to pursue, because nobody can do it exactly like you will. Nobody can tell your story like you can, because they haven’t lived it. Nobody can share your heart because they don’t know the whole of it.

There is always room for your vision because it’s yours, and if you follow the trail of your own passion, you will make room for yourself in whatever area you are seeking.

In no way does this happen overnight. But when you do something you are passionate about consistently and for a long time, room is not only made for you, but the path often feels as if it’s laid out in front of your feet.

For there to be room for you, you first have to believe that there is. Then you work to make that room. And when you get there, it won’t be a coincidence.

 

Feature photo by BC Serna.

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  1. Valerie says:

    Love from Belgium! xoxo 😉

  2. Seriously some love going on for this post, Erin. So glad I found your platform in the webspace! Super curious – do you have any favorite big influencers that gave you some serious creative and/or inspiration? I think it’s always cool to keep climbing up the inspiration tree so I thought I’d ask. 🙂

  3. Reading this from Charleston, SC! Love your insight on blogging. I agree it’s oversaturated, but definitely no one else can tell it like you do. I have just recently started reading your blog and have been enjoying it!

  4. Michele Morris says:

    Erin, I think it was a blessing that I read this today, as this is the life I’m inspiring to live. My true life. Thank you for sharing, I look forward to reading more of your blogs.

  5. Emily says:

    This post is so perfectly said Erin! Love your content, photography, values, and vibe!

  6. Tiffany says:

    I really needed to read this post! I’ve had my blog for a couple of years now but I kept stopping because I didn’t think it was good enough for anyone to read when so many other people out there do a much better job and have a far better reach than I do. From Sydney but currently reading this in Manchester, UK on a semester abroad, trying to figure out what my next step is.

    Thanks for the motivation 🙂
    Tiffany

    • Hey Tiffany – your blog is awesome! It’s ok to not know your next step, it’s all just moving on a hunch right? If you get it wrong, you can always change your mind. Glad you found this helpful. Thanks for the love! xo

  7. Alyssa says:

    I love that you write so often about this because I find it so encouraging as someone who’s new to blogging about things I love. I used to work in the outdoor industry and am always inspired by my love for it, so I’m still in the process of figuring out how to combine blogging, the outdoors, and a nutrition degree. It’s been an interesting and wonky process, but you’ve been one of the most encouraging people in my pursuit of my career happiness. Thank you 🙂

  8. Dylan says:

    You have truly inspired me to follow through on my vision and dreams. Thank you.
    Love from South Africa

  9. This is so inspiring! I just recently started following your blog and am in awe of the insight and wisdom you bring to the blogging space at such a young age. I look forward to witnessing where the future will take you – in adventures and writing!

  10. Morgan says:

    Hey Erin,
    I recently started my blog and have been absolutely terrified to start putting it out there for everyone to see. I keep thinking that I need to edit it more or add more content to the posts I’ve already finished. This post you’ve written is a huge help and makes me realize that I have to start somewhere! Thanks for the inspiration, I’ll definitely continue to follow your posts.

    • I say you go for it. So often, we believe we have to be perfect, when that just doesn’t exist! You putting your thoughts out there is a huge accomplishment in itself. I support you! xo

  11. Erin thanks for writing this so honestly! I can really resonate with you here on surprises, success, hanging on for the journey, and knowing you have something special and unique to offer… and YOU are doing it! Love what you’re up to here 🙂

  12. Ruo Ling Lu says:

    reading this from Malaysia! just discovered your blog recently and I love it! 🙂

  13. David J Rivera says:

    Hello from Puerto Rico. It’s a funny thing how we find ourselves thinking that everything has already been discovered. That my sudden idea has already been thought of. But like you said, “no lbody can tell your story like you can”. Thanks for inspiring and sharing your story.

  14. Lauren says:

    Love from Fresno California. Seeking similar things out of life as you are 🙂

  15. Heather Wolf says:

    Hey Erin, this post couldn’t have come at better timing for me… I’ve been wanting to make a blog for a while, but always came up with excuses not to– who would want to read what I have to say? Finally created one this week, but I haven’t even shared it with anyone yet. I’ve been feeling some of the same emotions you were when you wrote your first post. Thanks for the inspiration– maybe I will share after all 🙂

    • YES! So proud of you for taking that first leap – often it’s the hardest part. You do have a story that matters and by sharing it, you might reach more people than you know! What’s the worst that could happen? xo 😉

  16. Shani Leead says:

    This is a good reminder for me. Made my day here in sunny Los Angeles (I want winter-How’s Colorado? Besides much colder haha). Thanks for sharing Erin 🙂

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