My whole life, if you asked me my favorite place to go, I’d answer in a millisecond. The beach. It didn’t matter which one per se or even ocean beach or lake beach. It was the calming serenity and life affirming water source that lit my heart a fire (Ahem… heart swell) while at the same time bringing incomparable peace. All over the country and the world (although not as many international moments as I’d like just yet) it has been my throughline. But you know what else is my throughline? Adventure.
I am a curious, wonder loving, fly by the seat of my pants adventurer. I want to see it all. I want to do it all. I want to learn it all. And I will take whomever I’m with, with me! This has always been known to me, but shines brighter admittedly at certain times of life. And today’s fill my bucket source, was listening to the real OG, the queen of self-evolution, and one of my all-time idol’s, Martha Stewart’s Master Class, “Think Like a Boss, Live Like a Legend”. (Sidenote: A MasterClass subscription is the hands down best gift to give or receive, which gives you unlimited access to absolute masters of their craft from cooking to business, art to gut health.)
I could write an entire blog on the class itself, but the super shiny take away reminder of a moment for this girl was Martha’s quote, “People always ask me my favorite place to go…Where I haven’t been.” Mic drop. I freakin LOVE this so much and it resonated with me in such a deep way. I WANT to trek to far away places whether it’s a 3hr day trip to a gem of a place here in MI or The Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. Drive to one of the most beautiful aquariums in the U.S. on a sub-zero day for 1hr? Totally worth it. Nothing makes me happier than getting in the car and doing “the thing”. Seeing the sights. Having the adventure. Memories made. Bucket filled. Knowledge expanded.
So, in this new year of 2024, I declare “my word” as “Unknown”. Representing where I haven’t been. The adventures that all stand before me both in the traditional sense of adventuring, but also on a cerebral level of good health, career, parenting, neighboring, human be-ing. And now as the Frozen 2 hit Elsa song “Into the Unknown” blares through my head and fires up in my belly, I resolve to go…where I haven’t been.
And in the current favorite words of my soon to be tween, LET’S GO!
#HeartSwellsPending
With love, gratitude & fire,
Erin
Heart Swell Studios Founder, Rochester Hills, MI Lifestyle Family Photographer
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