Saddles to Streaming - A Story of Change -

Hearing the sound of the train whistle every night, I'd play a song that sang of wild horses. Although horses were miles away from where I slumbered most nights, they still pranced in my head. At 7 years old I was rather fearless, telling anyone on a horse that I knew how to ride... just to see if I could get a leg up and a chance at my dream.

Fast forward to years later, at 13 years of age I held in my hands a paper that deemed a beautiful 3 year old bay quarter horse all mine. He would be the first horse I got the ability to train from the ground up. Little did I realize the trials this horse would put me through, the lessons that would best my ego and teach me the reality of patience.

My names Monica, but most people call me Surf now. Growing up I pursued a dream that most deemed impossible. I didn't grow up with horses and didn't even grow up wealthy honestly; However, I was determined and am so blessed to have gotten to go on my rodeo journey.

Although, that's a story for another time.. " Why do people call me 'Surf' now? " you might ask..

Life has a funny way of taking you places you never planned, like that one time I snowboarded with Gigi Ruf, or this other time where I got to share a drink with Chris Bentchelter. I never could have imagined where life would take me, and now I get to call myself a Content Creator.

The shift is BIG. Being the girl who was always on a hike, a board, a horse, or reading a book by the water somewhere. Locking myself inside for a period of time every day now might seem rather... uncharacteristic. I guess... Until you get to know me a bit better. So... are you ready? Shit... You and I may even have some things in common.

At age 18 chronic illness attacked my body, I was at a charter school taking classes for nursing and on my way to graduate with my CNA when all of the sudden... I couldn't function due to overwhelming back/neck pain + etc. It took years, all sorts of testing, and many failed prescriptions before doctors ultimately decided I have: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, and a few other funs ones have been added in recently years.

Now IYKYK, BUT if you don't know, basically I wake up every day feeling like I just got hit by a bus and caught the flu. (I wish I was exaggerating.) This made even my rodeo career extremely difficult. If it wasn't for my Dad being able to be there when I needed him most, I would have never made it in rodeo. Thanks Dad. (AKA Papa Surf) When it comes to everyday tasks, there's honestly a lot I simply can't do. I've learned how to make modifications to how I sit, eat, do my makeup, even down to the way I walk to try and aid in pain relief.

We all have something right? On my worst days I try and remind myself of this. Pain has a funny way of tricking your brain into being mean to you. I've learned in my 28 years that the mind is the best tool, it can help us rise or fall, and like any muscle you have to keep it in shape. I'm guilty of falling into bad habits, toxic self doubt, and even the fun 'How can i indirectly fuck my own life up?' mindset. I'm not afraid to talk about all of my failures, and fucking A some of them are pretty funny.

What I have a passion for though is sharing, whether it be stories, knowledge, vulnerability, or even a good laugh. I think that moments where you connect with someone is powerful. Sharing stories was how our ancestors taught generations how to survive, have faith, and even morals. Some of the most powerful moments in my life have been around those willing to share their story. Sometimes it's been face to face, other times it's a moment I got to read in a book, and on rare occasion... these moments can even be found in video games.

A story doesn't always have to be Nonfictional to be powerful. Most stories have characters, and these characters portray human emotions that we all relate too. The core word being "relate". In a world filled with social media, highlight reels on every corner, and photoshop distorting ideas of beauty, It can get pretty isolating. Now imagine being a mom, who can't go out all the time. Maybe you're a college student, or someone who works 3 jobs just to provide for your family. Shit maybe you have an illness that makes it nearly impossible for you to really get out all the time...

What if you had a place on media where you could relate? Shit maybe even make some new friends and learn some cool shit to help get through life? This is where my why is born..

From rodeo to now I've face adversity and I know I'm not the only one. As a rodeo athlete I was determined to have my impact be POSITIVE. To make sure that any lil' boy or girl that felt their dream was impossible could see me, and be reminded to say to themselves " IM POSSIBLE ". Obtaining your goals and dreams isn't just about believing yourself though, right? You have to apply yourself, put in the time, make the sacrifices, and definitely change.

Hi, I'm Surf. I grew up playing video games with my Dad long before I finally got to climb up on a horse, and I absolutely cuss ALOT. Gaming, Hiking, Reading, Being Stubborn, and getting unnecessarily competitive are some of my favorite pass times especially when shared with people. Although my anxiety can take over, I like to say I do a decently job at not being TOOO awkward when meeting new people. Although live steaming and content creation are new to me, being a resident goofball and working to be 1% better mentally and physically with others isn't! I invite you on this journey with me as we grow together and get through this crazy thing called life. <3

-This is merely a glimpse of how I came to find Content Creation & Why I Stream-

I can't wait to meet you if I haven't , and if I have, I can't wait to see where we grow.