After two days of trekking across the Navajo region of New Mexico and Arizona, I’ve settled into a nice little town called St. George.
Had you asked me a week ago what I knew about St George, I’d admit that I’d never heard of it. But after a quick Google search revealed that gyms, restaurants, and national parks were open - I knew I’d found my next destination.
St George is the largest city in Southern Utah. Known as Dixie Country, it’s a culturally rich area with a historical downtown, home to the illustrious Dixie State University, and surrounded by picturesque mountains. It has a nice mix of a small town feel, with plenty of activity to keep things interesting. Best of all, I’m a short drive away from Zion National Park.
Over my first few days, I’ve had some pretty incredible experiences: I ate in a restaurant, dropped into three Crossfit gyms, worked out a a coffee shop, stumbled through a hot yoga class, got a haircut, and ordered an ice cold beer for the first time in months.
I don’t tell you this to rub it in, but to remind those who live where the lockdown has lifted not to take these moments for granted, and to those who are still locked down to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
While we can’t control our circumstances, we can control our mindset and do the best we can with the cards we’re dealt.
I’m grateful to live an open-ended life that affords me the ability to pack up and go on a moment’s notice. Most of us don’t have that luxury. Rest assured, I am not taking these moments for granted and I promise to make the most of them.
New beginnings like these are exciting, but never easy. I still haven’t made any friends as people are often skeptical of the outsider dropping into their town. But I know that will come in time. They’ll warm up to me sooner or later 😅
In the meantime, I’ll enjoy my tiny studio apartment above a pottery shop, load up my barbell with a ton of weight and hit every damn hiking trail Dixie Country has to offer. I couldn’t be happier to doing what I love: exploring new places and making the most out of life.
Here’s to new beginnings in Southern Utah 🍻