After five years traveling the world and learning as much as I could, I moved to Colorado to settle down in a place with a lot of activity. I assumed that after spontaneously moving to foreign countries, taking up languages, and maneuvering around all obstacles of travel and study, that this would be the easy part.
Exploring Sweden
Of course, there is nothing easy about entering the real world, especially after living in a whirlwind of movement for so long.
One reason I planned to move to Colorado is the numerous outdoor adventures available. I initially overlooked the practical elements of relocating that take up so much time and cause so much trouble, even things as small as the difference in altitude. Needless to say, I haven’t yet been able to fit in all the new activities that I intended. The first time I went camping in the mountains, I was shocked at how much the altitude affected my breathing yet even more surprised when the rain turned to ice on the tent and I shivered all night in my down sleeping bag. As I get more acclimated to the area, I will take every opportunity to get back out there.
Hiking in the Rocky Mountains
Despite worrying about the future and the state of the economy, I am still in awe of the mountains when I look out the window. It inspires me to break from the stress and be active and to keep exploring. Wherever in the world I end up, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate it and whenever possible, experience it. And I found that no matter where I go, I never need to settle down.
