California: The Parts That Filled Me and the Parts That Freed Me

By Nina Ross

There are some trips that simply take you somewhere.

Then there are trips that change you.

My recent journey to California was both.

It was filled with incredible moments, meaningful connections, personal reflection, and some hard truths that I needed to face. While I traveled there for AWE 2026, I came home with much more than business cards, photos, and content. I came home with clarity.

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A Different Experience at AWE 2026

Returning to AWE for my second year felt completely different from my first experience.

Last year, I was focused on learning, exploring, and figuring out where I fit within the world of immersive technology. This year felt more intentional. I wasn’t searching for a place anymore. I was searching for alignment.

One of the things I appreciated most about AWE 2026 was the pace. It felt more relaxed, which allowed me to spend quality time with companies, creators, and innovators who genuinely aligned with my interests and long-term goals.

I had the opportunity to connect with both familiar faces and new ones. From founders and developers to creators and industry leaders, every conversation offered a new perspective on where technology is headed and how I want to contribute to that future.

As someone who works across wellness, content creation, gaming, social platforms, and immersive technology, these conversations helped me better understand the bridge between human connection and emerging technology.

The Value of Real Conversations

The conference days were long.

The networking events were longer.

From mixers and meetups to dinners and after-hours conversations, I found myself surrounded by people who were passionate about building, creating, and innovating.

What stood out most wasn’t the technology itself.

It was the people behind it.

Every company, every platform, every product begins with a conversation, a vision, and a group of people willing to believe in something bigger than themselves.

Those moments reminded me why I continue showing up in these spaces.

Not just for opportunities.

Not just for exposure.

But for connection.

Because connection is where growth begins.

The Unexpected Part of the Trip

While AWE was incredible, the most transformative part of this journey happened after the conference ended.

The second half of my California trip became something entirely different.

It became a conversation with myself.

Without the constant movement, networking, and distractions, I finally had the space to sit quietly with my thoughts.

And sometimes that’s where the real work begins.

I started reflecting on my life, my relationships, my goals, and the emotional weight I had been carrying.

Some of it was old.

Some of it was recent.

All of it needed to be addressed.

Letting Go of What No Longer Serves Me

One of the biggest lessons from this trip was realizing how much energy I had been investing into things that no longer aligned with who I am becoming.

Old emotions.

Old disappointments.

Old expectations.

Even an old flame that I had spent far too much time trying to understand.

California gave me the distance I needed to see things clearly.

Sometimes we hold onto people because of their potential.

Sometimes we hold onto situations because of the memories attached to them.

Sometimes we keep giving chances because we’re afraid that walking away means giving up.

What I realized is that letting go isn’t giving up.

It’s choosing yourself.

It’s choosing peace.

It’s choosing growth.

And sometimes it’s choosing reality over fantasy.

The Clarity I Needed

During this trip, I came to a few important realizations.

I deserve relationships that feel mutual.

I deserve communication that feels intentional.

I deserve connections that don’t leave me questioning my worth.

Most importantly, I deserve a life that feels aligned with my values, my purpose, and my future.

I recognized areas where I need to grow.

I identified habits I need to change.

I saw opportunities I need to pursue.

And I finally acknowledged where I had been settling.

Not because I lacked value.

But because I had forgotten just how valuable my peace truly is.

What I’m Bringing Home

I’m bringing home new connections.

New ideas.

New opportunities.

New inspiration.

But more than anything, I’m bringing home a renewed commitment to myself.

This trip reminded me that growth isn’t always loud.

Sometimes growth looks like quiet reflection.

Sometimes growth looks like difficult decisions.

Sometimes growth looks like releasing what no longer fits so you can make room for what does.

Final Thoughts

I arrived in California expecting a conference.

I left with a deeper understanding of myself.

I laughed.

I learned.

I networked.

I created.

I reflected.

I healed.

And I grew.

For that, I am grateful.

Thank you to everyone I met along the way. Thank you to the companies, creators, founders, and visionaries who shared their time and knowledge. Thank you to the people who reminded me why I belong in these spaces.

And thank you to California for giving me exactly what I needed, even when it wasn’t what I expected.

The next version of me is already on her way.

💙

Nina Ross