EP356: From Friendship to Forever - Erin's Point of View

In this solo episode, Erin reflects on her marriage to CJ, whom she has known since age 10, and how their relationship unfolded unexpectedly from a deep friendship into partnership and parenthood. She recounts CJ driving from Nashville to Houston after a July 2015 visit revealed romantic potential, her initial hesitation to risk their friendship, and how she came to see his care, support during her father’s death, and his entrepreneurial drive. Erin describes encouraging CJ’s early fitness Instagram start, the tension and uncertainty caused by CJ’s shifting ventures and dislike of traditional jobs, and how trust and mutual support have sustained them. Now raising two young children in Austin without nearby family, they make intentional sacrifices, communicate around time constraints, integrate fitness into family life, and emphasize love, principles, alignment, and cherishing small moments.   Key Moments 00:38 Childhood Friends to Marriage 02:04 The Austin Weekend Spark 04:10 Why I Said No To Dating Him Before 06:51 Dreaming and Building Together 08:57 Houston Move and Career Leap 12:21 Living With Hyperfocus 16:23 Parenthood Without having a Village of Support 21:06 What We Want Our Kids to Learn From Us 25:59 Thriving in Marriage Lessons 28:14 Letting Life Unfold Without Expectations Connect with Erin Instagram TikTok   Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com   ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE