(Originally written/published in Fall 2020)
I wasn't expecting to like Colorado. Like at all. Because whenever I'd hear about Colorado, specifically Denver, people would say "it's a great place for hiking! But I hope you like snow, because they get a lot of it there". Well, despite being an athlete most of my life, I'm not a super active person. And I actually hate snow. Hate it.
But I've been to Colorado 3 times in the last 5 months and I'm already dreaming of the day that I can come back.
To me, Colorado is the perfect blend of chill and adventure. Life is a little bit slower here (especially compared to Chicago) which makes me feel very relaxed. But at the same time, Colorado makes me want to go out, be spontaneous, take crazy risks and experience all kinds of new things. I mean within 2 days of being here, I flew a damn plane. That should give you an idea of how adventurous I can be while I'm here.
But Denver is incredible even in the quiet moments. Like when you're walking along the Platte River with a salted caramel mocha in hand smiling at everyone walking by. Or hiking along a rocky trail with your jaw on the ground because of the beautiful mountains surrounding you. Or drunkenly stumbling home with friends laughing about the weird, fun, embarrassing night you had at the bar with disgusting shots all over the menu. Or just peacefully laying under the stars, listening to Frank Ocean with the friends who make you second guess where your home should actually be. I signed a lease in Chicago the day I landed - but maybe I'm meant to be a few states to the west.
I was under those stars again tonight. Driving through the mountains with my family after picking up dinner & cider in Estes Park. We sat quietly in the car while Paul McCartney sang Blackbird over the satellite radio. I looked up at the glowing moon & the bright stars scattered across the clear, pitch black sky. Not a cloud in sight. And I truly felt so much peace. The drive was only an hour, but I’ll remember the beauty of it for a lifetime.
Colorado, it's people & it's breathtaking views have unexpectedly stolen my heart. I don't know exactly how or when it happened, but I'm glad it did. I think everyone needs to feel a sense of calm, comfort, spontaneity and adventure in their life. And if they're lucky enough, they can get all of that in their very own home. Who knows, maybe I’ll call Colorado my home one of these days... We’ll see!
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