I spent Labor Day weekend in Grand Forks with a cozy little staycation—coffee, long walks, local shops, brunch, and some solo adventures. It turns out, the smallest moments can make a weekend feel kind of magical.

Between baby showers and bachelorette weekends, I’m learning how friendships stretch, shift, and still hold. This is a reflection on mourning what was, showing up for what is, and making peace with your own timeline—even when everyone else’s looks different.

Discover the transformative journey of letting go, taking risks, and finding purpose. In this blog, I reflect on a period of deep personal growth, inspired by the Region Beta Paradox, a life-altering breakup, and the pursuit of a more meaningful existence. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the comfortable, familiar, and “just fine” parts of life, this piece might resonate.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to storytelling—the way words create connection and give voice to what we feel but can’t always say. I spent much of my young adult life travelling and documenting my experiences through writing. But when I suffered a profound loss at 23, everything stopped. For years, I buried my passion beneath survival, trying to build a safe, conventional life. Yet something kept pulling me back—to the road, to writing, to the dreams I once abandoned. Now, I’m here, rediscovering my voice and sharing stories of travel, personal growth, and inspiration.