01/17/2026
2016 was a year I felt unlimited and free.
Fresh out of HS, I moved from MI â CO to gain residency, but really I followed what made me happiest.
I fell into ski bum culture, found belonging working in the mountains, and let curiosity and happiness lead instead of a rigid plan.
That year cracked me open; new experiences, full days on the hill straight to the gym, a few psychedelic moments, learning about THC, meditation, yoga, spirituality, and questions about life Iâd never asked before.
I adopted my soul pup, Zenna May, road-tripped to Moab, worked a bike/ski shop job that summer, took an accelerated EMT course, and chased 14ers every weekend.
2016 wasnât all light, though.
Summer felt lonely once my ski friends left.
And later, when I struggled to pass the NEMT exam, I felt crushed. old patterns of shrinking, distancing, and self-doubt surfaced hard. My dream of ski patrolling were ripped out of my plans before they could ever really begin.
Still, that year planted everything: my love for the mountains, my first glimpse of the West Coast, the dream of moving to California, and the resilience that would shape the next decade.
Looking back now, Iâm deeply grateful for the joy, the âfailuresâ, and the moments that forced me to adapt and stay present. Without âfailingâ the EMT exam, I would have not have chosen yoga or the preventative care path. I wouldnât have lived in Huntington Beach for the summer/fall. I wouldnât be who I am today.
Now 10 years later with so much learned, mostly about how to remain myself and honor that above all else. my surf bum dreams are coming to life, Iâm still guiding yoga, and deep into my integrative strength and rehab practice to support the preventative care side of things.
My one wish has always been for everything to turn out exactly how it needs to.
Turns out life feels pretty good operating this way âĽď¸
Proud of that brave, young, curious Michigan girl for going against societal norms and following her happiness & intuition âĽď¸
#2016