Nicki Bennett

And one day, a wandering nomad decided she was ready to put down some roots. This past week I bought a cute little house just down the road from the house I was born in. As some of you know, when I went through DV assault 7 years ago, I chose to walk away from the home we bought, along with most of the assets I had worked over a decade building. I knew I could rebuild, but the road has been long and hard. For the last 2 years, I chose nomad life to save. I had a lot of great experiences, but found myself feeling unmoored a lot. I wanted a home base, I just wasn’t sure where it would be, or if it was even possible. In the early fall I went through the process to get approved and immediately decided I need to save more, and wait until the rates came down and the economy stabilized. I then became pretty depressed. I felt lost and lonely and wasn’t enjoying or excited by either of my living situations. My lovely agent @lilyrealestateca encouraged me to start looking. In late November we met to see this house, a foreclosure in the perfect area in need of a lot of love, but also with lots of potential. I fell in love, but still didn’t believe it was possible. Lily nudged me, pep talked me through deep fears, and advocated for me during an incredibly long and arduous process with the bank. There was so many moments I thought it would not be, but trusted if it was meant to- it would. I’ve not shared this process on social, because I needed to make this decision on my own, without outside voices chiming in, and I did. Buying a house, felt like a choice to give up nomad life, but I think it’s possible for us to have many paths, dreams and lanes we explore. Besides, this isn’t the end of boat, or van life. It’s just the beginning of me having a base to root from. A place to host friends and family and come home to after long adventures. I’ll be sharing more of this journey, but for now, here’s a few snaps from the last week- the end of a long buying process and the beginning of a new book. Big thank you to my mom @terriebennettsculpture For seriously showing up for me, my dad for helping this dream come to fruition, and of course my dear Lily.

My name is Nicki, and I am a survivor of violence. A women who lived with abuse for over a decade, but didn’t contain the self love to walk away. When I look back at that Nicki, I barely recognize her. I would never wish what happened to me on another soul, but it was my path, and I would not change it. I’ve had to take radical responsibility for the choices I made that kept me there. Taking responsibility for my role, doesn’t excuse what happened to me, but it is the only way to go from victim to hero in the story of my life. I’ve made a lot of mistakes on this journey to healing, but I keep moving forward, and I share this now, because it’s important to know that you can overcome unthinkable things— and live a happy fulfilling life once again. The worst thing that has ever happened, opened the door for me to create a life I love. I know the alternative and I’ll never live like that again. I am free, and I now live my life completely on my terms. Thanks to the many who have showed up as angels for me during the last 7 years. So many people helped me get out, and through this. Some of you have seen me at my absolute worst, and you still showed up to wipe my tears. I could never express the gratitude I feel for you in my heart and soul. If you find yourself struggling, please reach out. I am happy to offer support or suggestions for finding a path forward. Know that you aren’t alone, and you will get through this.

Terrbear birthday dump 🎂🥂🐾 Didn’t get around to posting a HBD for mama cuz we were too busy out there celebrating. Wonderful summer like first weekend of spring on the Bay. Long walks, yummy food, dog beach play time, and as a bonus Roux learned to swim and become a binified boat dog. Memories to last a lifetime.❤️ Wishing my amazing mom @terriebennettsculpture a year ahead filled with all the good stuff. She deserves it more than anyone I know.

This week I hit a big milestone, and since I have been overly focused on how much needs to be done, I thought I would stop and take a moment to share how far this sweet little previously neglected home has come. In the first few months after I got the keys I nearly killed myself (mostly my back) working on the house, somehow thinking I could get it all done. I did make a lot of progress but I also burnt a bit. In the last year plus, work and making money to pay for said house has filled my time, but I’ve still chipped away at things at a slower pace. I planned to share more of this home project on here, but haven’t much, perhaps I will change that in 2026 if y’all are interested in seeing more. In putting this together I realize ‘staging’ is not my forte, and I didn’t collect the best videos at the start as I was hyper focused on projects over big picture. But it’s real life, and the house is real lived in. Not included in this video— the roof replacement, tons of hours working on the land, painting and upgrading the shop and how sweet the patio and garden are in the warmer months. I’m living at the house less these days, but still upgrading her and opening my mind to what the future might hold for this sweet little slice of land in my home town. I’ve done a lot of things I never would have thought I could one the past 2 years (plus things I never want to do again) including: stripping a roof and re-roofing, running a chain saw, doing 220 wiring, ripping out soiled carpet, weed eating an acre+ of land, so much mowing and yard work, painting, plumbing, more electrical, cleaning, replacing rotted wood and figuring out solutions to a house that was built custom by hand. It’s not been an easy road, and more often than not I feel over my skis. But looking back on where we started, I’m proud of myself. Cheers to progress over perfection and continuing even as your goals and life change. #homerenovation #diyhomeimprovement #homeownership

Big News! I have decided to move on from my beloved job at @latitude38magazine ⛵️ Since the news become public this week, I thought it was time for me to share, since so many of my friends and followers online have come into life via Latitude, sailing or the marine industry. I find myself in such deep gratitude reflecting on the last 6 years of my life. I started working for Latitude 3 days before the pandemic locked everyone inside. I was new to the Bay and sailing, and would quickly go through a breakup that would leave me homeless and quite lonely. I poured myself into work, and the industry, and soon found myself surrounded by the most supportive community. I bought my own boat, moved aboard and started leaning how to fix it up. I was no longer homeless or lonely, my life had hope again and was filling with the most interesting people. Over the years, I have helped marine business grow, interviewed my sailing hero’s, sailed with icons, and had the most fun adventures, all while being on the clock. I became immersed in the Bay Area marine industry which has opened up doors to relationships I am so thankful for, including some of my bestest friends. Latitude gave me an opportunity to work remote and make adventure a cornerstone of my reality. It also allowed me to save up enough to buy a house, since nomadic life was the never the long term goal. It gave me security, community and a place to truly heal. Making the decision to leave was one of the hardest I have ever made, but in the last year I hit burnout hard. Side hustling to survive while also being on a monthly publishing deadline schedule became too much. In the beginning of January I decided it was time to make a change. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I will be focusing my energy on growing my freelance business and pursuing things that have been on the back burner for too long. I’m excited for change, and to grow into the next version of me. I’ll still be around Latitude orbit, and in the industry. So don’t be a stranger! Scroll for a random smattering of L38 selfies & moments over the years.

Embracing slower energy for the new year. And that doesn’t mean I won’t chase adventures, work hard, or take on too many projects. It means cultivating more awareness, more presence, more space. My favorite way to slow down is spending time on the water, so a New Year’s cruise felt like the perfect impromptu way to start 2026. The trip up to Petaluma is especially lovely. Rural waterways, scenic vistas, bridges experienced from new angles, and places you usually pass by on the highway without really noticing. When you arrive, the city dock sits right in downtown. Easy walks to dinner, drinks, and wandering through a suer charming town. After that, another slow cruise back downriver. We even anchored off Paradise for a few hours, just to stretch the day a little longer. I think it’s going to be a good year. #boatlife #newyear #lifeofadventure

As we kick off a new year, whether you choose to celebrate your wins or share your fails, I hope you take a moment to acknowledge that you made it through this weird human experience for one more year. Here are 20 random moments from a year that asked everything of me. Much of it was beautiful. Some of it was heavy. A lot of it was both. A year of duality, of often holding two experiences at once. There were big wins and big flails. Loss. Burnout. Feeling judged, unmoored, and unsure of where I was meant to be. It was a year that asked me to let go of projects and identities and to say yes— to love, adventure, change, and new opportunities. I was part of things I am incredibly proud of, including a public art project in Tahoe with my mama @terriebennettsculpture , and pouring my heart and soul into the @sausalitoboatshow and the amazing community that surrounds it. I also held onto things that were no longer aligned, and felt the weight and consequences of indecision. Ready to shed the skin of 2025 and move toward something new. New year, same me, just a **hopefully** continually improving version. Cheers to 2026!

The most common comments I get online usually sound like this: “Do you ever work?” “You live the most amazing life.” “All you do is go on adventures.” “Are you a trust funder?” I think most people are well intentioned. We all judge from a very small window into someone else’s life, often through the lens of our own lack. The truth is more complicated, but I have no interest in justifying my existence online. Despite the stress and struggle, I do work hard to build a good life and carve out moments of joy and meaning. This past year, I took on an unsustainable amount of freelance work on top of a full-time job just to stay afloat. In the process, many of my passions, creative projects, and some of my most cherished relationships did not get the energy they deserved. I slipped into a cycle where the only way out seemed to be working harder. One more client. One more project. One more late night. Workaholism became a habit, and constant busyness became the thing that validated my worth. The bills got paid, but I burned out. Even a two-week sailing trip did not refill the cup. I came home to a backlog that felt like a landslide I could not climb out from. Time is the one thing we cannot make more of, yet we live in a culture that celebrates the hustle. I do not believe we are meant to be here only to work. As the year closes, I am rethinking my relationship to work, time, and compensation. I hope to show up here more honestly and more consistently as I develop new tools and a healthier flow. Does anyone else struggle with workaholism? What has helped you bring your life back into balance? #worklifebalance #worktolive

Baja Ha-Ha Pt. 2 🇲🇽🎣⛵️🍻🌊 After 58 transits of the coast of Baja, Profligate carries enough stories in her hull to fill a book, and the Baja Ha-Ha is one of her favorites. This reel is just a small glimpse of my experience aboard mothership on her final sail south. I wrote about my trip for December issue of @latitude38magazine covering the Ha-Ha’s rich history and spirit, the cast of characters who create this vibrant tapestry, and where it goes from here, because this great show will go on. Read the story now. Link in bio.

Baja Ha-Ha Pt. 1 🇲🇽🎣⛵️🍻🌊🐬 It’s been a bucket list trip since I first started sailing, and the roundabout way I found my job with @latitude38magazine and landed in this amazing industry. I’ve said no more than a few times due to jt being my busiest season at work. But when Richard Spindler, the founder of Latitude and the Ha-Ha called and invited me aboard the mothership for his final voyage south from San Diego to Cabo, I knew I couldn’t say no. The 750 mile sail south along the Baja coast was pretty dreamy. Days opened marked with perfect weather, tons of wildlife, fishing and a crew that quickly turned into a family of sorts. Each stop offered a bit of magic, rugged out of the way places, with the warmest people and most breathtaking vistas. I unplugged for the first time in a long time, soaked in all the stories of this great legacy. I met so many inspiring humans setting off to chase big dreams, and danced with friends old and new. I gained a lot of perspective on my life, and was reminded that it’s always a good idea to step away. You can’t always see the forest through the trees. Super grateful to return to my life with a fresh lens. Thanks to Richard, Dona and the whole crew for a lovely time.

I didn’t realize how badly I needed this until I finally stepped away. After months teetering on the edge of burnout, caught in a cycle of self inflicted workaholism, it feels like I can finally breathe again. Being out here has reminded me how important it is to make space to simply be. There is something about the balance of motion and quiet that resets everything.

october, what a ride. coast to coast. mountains to sea. foothills and back again. grateful for all the lovely faces, places, celebrations, dance parties, puppy snuggles, and the first bit snow. november here we gooooooo!