Talking myself into excitement

Fall is a time for change and a time for me to convince myself that I am happy about that change.

It’s getting cooler; summer’s ending, especially in the mountains where I’ve been working since May. A lot of snow enthusiasts would see that as good news, but I don’t. I’m not ready for the snow. I’m not ready for summer to be over and now that school has started it is official: less hiking, no more camping, and I will have to cut back on the concerts.

Fall used to be the time I packed my backpack for my next adventure. I bought a one-way ticket to somewhere, said good-bye to my friends and family, and left my summer job to chase the unknown in a new country. Despite my passion for travel, my excitement for the trip still took some cultivation. Colorado isn’t an easy place to leave and good-byes are never fun.

Now, sitting at my desk a depressed sigh escapes my lips. I know that somewhere in my head, buried under memories of mountain tops and lost cabins, I’m excited to be going back to school. I love what I’m studying and I even like living in Denver, despite the fact that I am a mountain girl at heart.

I love the contrast of the city and the small mountain town of Breckenridge. I like how much faster things move down here and the fact that there is always something to do.

It feels good to be immersed in something I am passionate about and to be surrounded by people who are also chasing their dreams. I am more focused here. The call of the hiking trail has grown softer with distance. I am inspired by the parks, the museums, the people. And sometimes it’s nice to be anonymous in the grocery store.

Every time I left the country, I knew I wanted to go, but it wasn’t until I landed in whatever place I had chosen that my regret faded, and as I attend my first class a spark of excitement ignites my ambition. I am ready for the school year, or at least mostly ready.