Holiday weekends are hard for me but I’m happy to be spending Easter with my pup and good friend on the west side of Michigan. We’ll be doing some hiking and much needed catching up!
I’m getting really excited for some exciting upcoming plans, while reflecting on some past ones.
Last April, Linley and I drove from Chicago to Asheville, and then Chicago to Seattle! He’s the best road-trip buddy around. I wanted to share some of my favorite memories from last year’s adventures.
Photos taken April 2022.
Adventure in Spades 
This post resonates with me on a personal level. Having grown up in a family that didn’t fully accept me for who I am, I learned the importance of finding and building relationships with people who share similar values, beliefs, and interests.
After coming out as a lesbian, I lost contact with my biological family members and felt alone and disconnected. My family consists solely of my mom and my wife.
I was fortunate enough to have close friends who embrace and support me for who I am. They provide me with a sense of belonging, acceptance, and unconditional love, just like a family would.
Friends are the family that you choose. 🙂
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Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and sharing your story with me. I completely agree that building relationships who have similar beliefs, values and interests can result in bonds as strong as family—sometimes even more so! I’m beyond grateful that you had friends-turned-family who supported you and loved you for who you are! It reminds me so much of Brené Brown’s idea of “fitting in” vs. truly belonging, and how we need to feel like we belong in our family and friend group(s).
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He’s cute! Happy Easter!
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