With the recent setbacks and health problems I've faced there have been questions forced upon me that I otherwise would likely have not confronted for years to come. These questions revolve around the progression of my career in athletics and what I would then segue into. Having prematurely been thrown into pondering this topic I've also had to contemplate the idea of what it will take to attain these goals as well as the possible sacrifices that might have to be made. To that end I've been contemplating further education and pursuing a career field in line with athletics but something that blends my passions of teaching, coaching, helping and entrepreneurial spirit. But what will it take to accomplish these tasks and succeed? What sacrifices need to be made? Are they in fact worth it?
I've been slowly following "The Season" a video blog on outdoor athletes from the Pacific Northwest about their efforts throughout their respective seasons. Connect some dots and I ended up at one of the producers podcasts, Dirtbag Diaries. The podcast A Successful Life hit home and resonated very strongly with me. You can listen to it here (~25min). As I am faced with making decisions about where to go and what to do and how much to give in order to get, I've come to realize that one thing must remain true for me to be at peace in my pursuits. I have to love my HOME and for me that means living in the mountains.
It should have been telling that all throughout elementary, junior and senior highs and in university that whenever faced with a social, geological or geographical assignment that I would always select mountainous countries. Switzerland, New Zealand (South Island), Canada (Rockies). Such that in my moving from Austin to Boulder nearly four years ago I finally felt like I'd truly "come HOME". My sense of place was complete.
Home may not forever be Boulder or Colorado but it's the sense of place that I get when I'm "at home in the mountains" that is the feeling that I will continually seek out. In facing the questions about my future as of late and knowing that some sacrifices or adjustments might have to be made I am certain of one thing, home will always be a place that inspires me to get out and do. For me, that is mountains. What is it for you?
Photos: (top) Aspens in the morning along Kebler Pass outside of Crested Butte, (bottom) panorama from Irwin, CO (ghost town)
3 comments:
We just spent a few weeks down in Utah/Colorado and drove the Durango-Telluride loop. Those mountains sure do have a way of beckoning don't they? Must you remain in athletic pursuits - or would you ever consider mountaineering/guiding as a possibility? Home for me is somewhere I can access nature - preferably mountains (hence why I just can't see myself returning to Oz after living here in BC), but rivers and lakes I can paddle on are acceptable too.
We all have hobbies, and careers. While i do like to blend the two (along with passion) I kind of want to keep the mountains just what they are, simple peaceful and not a business to me.
Tho the idea of guiding (in other words Professional Sharing of experiences) is appealing....you cant really pick you clientele. ....and i only like to share the mtns with the cool kids. :)
Ah- yep, totally understand on the "cool kids" factor!! Those days or occasionally weeks away from civilisation are priceless. Good luck on the personal journey, enjoy and savour the time away progressing and regaining your health.
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