It’s that time of year again. The infamous, long awaited, highly anticipated college spring break- assumed to be filled with sunshine, sandy beaches, salty water and excessive drinking.
EXCEPT, for those of us that were privileged enough to grow up frolicking, hiking, skiing, and adventuring all day every day in the Centennial state. No- for us Coloradans, floundering out here where we don’t belong, spring break automatically registers in our minds as spring skiing and/or weather that gives us false hope that summer is right around the corner. No one can say for sure which one it might be, because spring weather in Colorado is more unpredictable than Donald Trump.
With yesterday being Colorado day (March 3rd), today being my last day of midterm week, and heading home to the most beautiful state tomorrow, I figured a Colorado appreciation post was appropriate.
Dearest Colorado,
Thank you for the role you played in making me the person I am today. Without your breathtaking views, and spectacular scenery everywhere I look, I would never have found my deep seeded love for exploring and adventure. I also want to thank you for providing me with eighteen incredible years filled with four distinct seasons per year- something I miss so desperately while I’m at school out here in California. There is something to be said about the warm air and painted sky that comes with every summer night, the deep, rich color of the crunchy leaves and the crisp air that trickles in every autumn, accompanied by the fluffy white snow blankets that bring the promise of ski season in winter, and the beautiful, lavish green springs, filled with life and color.
Thank you, my spectacular home state, for surrounding me with the type of people that you just can’t find anywhere else. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve met lifelong friends out here in California, but there is something so distinct and recognizable about the culture in Colorado. People are nicer, common courtesy actually exists, and we all have the same appreciation for how ridiculously amazing their home is.
Colorado, thank you for teaching me how to live simply, and appreciate the little things in life- yes I attribute these qualities to you. Growing up in Colorado, you never run out of things to do. There’s always another trail to run, mountain to hike, tree to climb, waterfall to discover, and the list goes on. Everyone says it, but Colorado kids really mean it when they say, “we weren’t allowed to come inside until dark” referencing childhood summers. We may have complained about it when we were little, but we all know now that it was far from punishment. Every last one of my favorite childhood memories took place outside, and involved some sort of dangerous stunt or competition-which leads me to my next point.
Thank you, Colorado for teaching me the importance of a competitive drive in all facets of my life. If you’ve never visited the beautiful state, this won’t make any sense, but for my fellow Colorado natives, you’ll agree that Coloradoans have an uncanny way of making everything a competition. I’m not sure if it’s because physical fitness is so highly prioritized in the 303, or maybe the noticeable lack of oxygen, but I am certain that my competitive nature is a result of being raised among folks who know how to make anything and everything a friendly competition.
Colorado, I’d also like to thank you for periodically giving me a healthy dose of humility and perspective. I was so, so privileged to have been born and raised within and among unmatchable, incomparable beauty. Every sunrise, sunset and every moment in between was a constant reminder of the power and depth of my Creator. It may sound cliché, but if you’ve ever seen the state’s striking beauty, you just get it. There’s no other way to fathom the utter magnificence, other than attributing it to a higher power. Standing in the valleys of the towering Rocky Mountains, or at the peak of a fourteener, or feeling the peace and calm of winter a snowfall, or experiencing the power of a summer thunderstorm, or watching the sun disappear behind the majestic mountains are all experiences that remind us how insignificant we really are in the grand scheme of things. What’s even more amazing is that these moments of realization and perspective are regular occurrences because Colorado is just that awe striking.
Of course, I can’t forget to mention how humbling an experience it is to return home- every single time without fail- and feel like I’ve never engaged in physical activity in my life. Somehow, in California, I can whip out 12 consecutive 7:30 minute miles, but when I get home to good ole CO, I’m lucky if I can make it to the 3-mile mark without passing out due to oxygen deprivation.
Because of you, the only sense of direction I have is assuming that West is in the direction of the nearest mountain range. Unfortunately, this is rarely an accurate judgment in any state other than Colorado. Additionally, I have to be real honest and acknowledge that you indubitably turned me into a mountain snob. I can't look at "mountains" in any other state without rolling my eyes because my standard of comparison is matchless. You also taught me what it means to be a loyal sports fan. Despite the rocky road the Broncos have taken in the past few years, Denver fans never fail to show unwavering support. And look where it got us! #SB50CHAMPS.
Colorado, you’ve left your mark on me, no doubt about it. I’m sorry it took me moving away for college to fully grasp how much you mean to me and how much I cherish you. I love my school and I love the mild climate here, but there’s no doubt that a big chunk of my heart resides in the Rocky Mountains. I wouldn’t be who I am today without your ongoing impact. I miss your fresh, clean air, and snow capped mountains every day that I’m gone, but I think that’s what makes coming home so special. Can’t wait to see ya in a few hours!
With love,
Your Long Distance Lover
