The Excavation of Erika

Mariah Carey had the Emancipation of Mimi. Taylor Swift had Reputation. Many others go through transformations, evolutions, and change completely into different, often unrecognizable, people. My journey is different: a little less dramatic, much less glamourous, and definitely more boring.

Growing up, I was always fascinated by Ancient Egypt: the rich history, pyramids, Nile River, stories of the lives and - perhaps even more intriguing - afterlives of the pharaohs... All of the mysteries and puzzles to be solved within the centuries of history of this magical land captured me and flooded my six year old brain. Countless National Geographic magazines throughout my childhood sparked something in me to become an archeologist making new discoveries of tombs and treasures within that ancient desert land. While I never actually did pursue a career in archeology, my recent life journey has been filled with the unearthing and excavation of various depths which had previously been hidden to me. Perhaps what I've uncovered isn't as spectacular or wonderous as jewels of Egyptian rulers and rare hieroglyphics which fill in knowledge gaps in timelines throughout the various historical desert sites, monuments, and events in these locations. My experience is certainly much less expansive and much more personal. However, that doesn't mean that it isn't insightful or important. This journey is worthy of acknowledgement and even celebration. One might even argue that diving deep into oneself to discover the various facets and mysteries of who they are is more valuable and powerful than any external excavation. Imagine if this illumination occurred to numerous individuals at the same time, especially on a collective level where every person on the planet was discovering and digging up their own dusty treasures to explore the hidden magic within.

So, I'm excited (and a little bit nervous!) to share this journey - so far - with you. As a fellow traveler on this path of life, I invite you to come as you are and also appreciate where you are at so far. This space is meant to provide some hope, inspiration, relief, respite...something positive and helpful...which comforts you. A space that don't feel completely alone. Perhaps the light shed on the topics that I bring up will allow new windows and doors to open for you, or even just draw you into one that has been already open all along that you may not have noticed. Whatever way in which this post and website find you, I wish for the messages to leave you better than when you arrived.

Sending so much joy to you on the journey!