Oh, What an Adventure It’s Been

January 2014 began a whole new chapter for me. I packed up my life in LA on a whim to start fresh in Denver, CO. I didn’t have somewhere to live, I didn’t say goodbye to everyone and to be honest, I wasn’t ready to move away.

Af first, I was broken. Broken-hearted and unsure of who I was and what I was capable of.
Also, I was hesitant. Hesitant that compared to LA, I would be bored in Denver. (Sorry Denver, but I’ll redeem myself soon)
Then, I was scared. Scared I wasn’t strong enough to start fresh on my own and scared of the unknown.
And, I was sad. Sad to leave my LA friends, my life and my unfulfilled LA bucket-list.

Now, I realize this move, and all that it encompased, was an opportunity for me to find my joy again. And oh, how I was wrong about Colorado…

Falling in Love with Life in Colorado

A quiet morning in downtown Vail

Earlier this year I promised that I would make this the best year. This self-made promise has been a great reminder to always say “yes” to new experiences so that I would really make the most of this year.

And, to be completely honest, I cannot even begin to tell you how delighted I’ve been lately.

I’ve loved the opportunity for a fresh start here in Colorado, the chance to heal and become a better me, new adventures and experiences, rekindling my faith, taking care of my mind and body, meeting incredible people and the joy I’ve found in my heart. All of this coupled with an incredible state of beauty and this adventure has me falling in love with Colorado, hard.

And, I just can’t get enough.

My Colorado Happy List

A peaceful moment at the top of Vail

A close friend introduced me to the concept of a “happy list.” To create this list is to remember the little things in life that bring us joy each day. To count our blessings and remember that happiness is sometimes made up of many little moments.

And, while it’s a forever-project, I thought I’d share a few things on my current Colorado Happy List:

• the crisp, fresh mountain air in the mornings
• a chocolate-covered coffee bean on caribou coffee mochas
• a really intense trail run in Boulder with Ruth
• chilly mornings spent waiting in line at Snooze, coffee mug in hand
• running in colorado and colorado runners
• the spring storms that scare and excite you at the same time
• hip hop classes with the ladies, followed by mimosas and a night out
• breathtaking sunsets at Daniels Park, or anywhere for that matter
• the crunch of fresh snow on the coldest days of winter
• the sounds of downtown Denver in the evening
• seeing Stig come alive on hikes, in dog parks and running in open spaces
• Subaru’s and Subaru drivers… it’s what makes colorado, colorado
• all the free poop bags ( <—it’s the truth, deal with it)
• Linger rooftop and a hand crafted cocktail at the end of the day
• anytime I look up and am awed by the beauty of the rockies

Living Without Darkness.

It is in our darkest moments that we must focus on the light. And, some say, that the stars cannot shine without darkness.

So, here I am. I’ve had my darkest moments and now I’m ready to shine and come out stronger than I’ve ever been.

Now I feel alive, like I’m finally living life again. I feel happy. I feel blessed. I feel ready to take on the world. And, I feel like for the first time in a while, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Xoxo,

Melanie

Piney River Lake near Vail