I always have people ask me how I’ve managed to find friends who love all the same things I do since I moved to Arizona in December. When I first moved to this beautiful desert state, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to meet like-minded people who loved the outdoors who also enjoyed a good romp on the trail with my dog.
Well, I had nothing to worry about. Little did I know I was heading to the right place for all things nature and puppers.
Just Go For It
The first day I set my tires in the direction of Phoenix, Arizona, I decided to just go for it. I whipped out my handy cellular device and made the choice to reach out to a few people I had been following on Instagram for awhile who lived in the area.
Some hiked with dogs, some liked the same brands I did (hint hint: Keep It Wild), and some just seemed like cool people I would hang out with.
My first ever friend in Arizona was one that many know well on Instagram. Her name is Katie and she has two amazing hiking pups, Chipper and Quin. I sent her a direct message on Instagram and within a day we had a time and place to meet up and hike.
Just like that, on my first weekend in town, I made new friends, furry and human. My most important tip for you is to throw it all to the wind and just go for it.
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups can be an annoyance, but lately I’ve been digging them. If you go searching around on Facebook you can find some pretty cool groups of people doing the same things you love to do.
If there’s not a group out there already (which I can’t believe to be true), start your own group! Soon people will find your group and you can meet up to do your crazy things. I have my own Facebook group of ladies who love to meet up, hike, camp, and pet all the dogs. We share our adventures and talk about some stuff we find difficult to talk about in public.
Being able to meet people through the internet is the biggest and best way to find community.
Talk to People
I know this might sound terrifying, but if you get up the nerve to actually talk to people you see on the streets or in the office every day you might actually learn more about them and what they love, too.
We always think we’re alone in our endeavors, but actually taking time to talk to people about their interests and sharing your own hobbies is a great way to discover new friends under your nose.
The power of communication is still there. You just have to choose to wield it!
Got to an Event
Events like Keep It Wild cleanups, music festivals, and pop-up shops are great ways to meet like-minded individuals. Any time you decide to go to a festival, you’re probably just as excited as the other person buying a ticket next to you and for the exact same reason, too!
Going to events gives you an opportunity to squad up and find new friends without having to go to an awkward networking event or forcing yourself to go to something you aren’t interested in!
Find events near you that you are passionate about, and you’ll soon find other people who follow suit.
There are so many ways to find friends these days that it’s almost impossible to stay in your shell. People come out of the woodwork when you talk about yourself and your passions on Instagram. Facebook groups are growing every day because people are so excited about their hobbies.
All I can say is to reach out, be yourself, and keep it wild!
Narrator: This blog was thoughtfully written by Erin Maxson. You can find her on Instagram @withdogshetravels.
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