Today I turn 30! And start this blog!

I toggle between alarm that I’m no longer in my twenties and feeling absolutely thrilled that I am no longer in my twenties.

I started my twenties attaining my degree in biochemistry – I have yet to use it. I then went overseas for a year on a “mission trip” – lots of regret there. A story for another day.
When I returned to the states, I had reverse culture shock and was fairly directionless. Cue six years of meandering through this job and that, from one city to the next. Nanny, barista, personal trainer, hospitality associate – from Atlanta to Denver to Seattle and back.

I didn’t build a career in my twenties and my Roth account is hurting because of it, but I did build something else that I am dang proud of. Unintentinally, I focused on building a version of Erica that I love. I remember how I felt in college – awkward, constantly questioning others’ opinions of me, emotionally immature, clueless about my values and goals. I was unable to build healthy relationships or foster community around me because I lacked the ability to control my emotions and thoughts. It sucked.

How do I feel at 30? Still clueless, but okay with that. Okay with saying no. Okay with not shaving my legs if I don’t want. Okay with not having a TikTok (except am I already becoming irrelevant?!). Making my own yogurt and reusing the envelopes with the front holes that come with bills even though I thought it wasn’t cool when I was a kid and my dad did it. And all in for saying hell yes to the humans and activities that bring me joy.

I spent my birthday weekend hiking (four 14,000+ foot mountains), biking (20 miles from Aspen up to Maroon Bells in CO), and camping with my best buddy. I did not complete the 30 before 30 list that I created at the beginning of this year, but – because I’m not longer 22 and wringing my hands over every little mistake – I was too busy doing other fun things to mind the incomplete list. I’m happy, healthy, and finally pursuing a career and a life that lights me up. I’m in this space to document the twisty turns of life over the next decade. Mountain biking? Pottery? Buddhism? Travel? A promotion? Who knows, but I’m here for the fun, and I’ll learn how to navigate the hard stuff too.