Southern Utah is an incredible place where the desert meets the mountains. I will miss waking up to its towering red cliffs, desert landscapes, and the rust colored mountains on the horizon.
But above all, I will miss the friends I made along the way. After being alone in New Mexico for so long, it was nice to be around people. To make friends. And to be part of a community. Even if only for a short while.
I am especially grateful for the friends I made at Crossfit, my favorite restaurants, and my coffee shop. At first, people seemed skeptical of this outsider strolling up in military boots and joggers in the dead of summer.
But over time, I transitioned from a stranger passing through to someone who became a staple in their small town who was excited to be apart of their world for a while. Upon reflection, I believe that’s what St. George was to me.
A transition, of sorts.
A transition from being alone in the desert to stepping back into society. From feeling stuck when the world shut its doors to hopeful when I found this oasis in the desert. A transition from who I was to who I will become.
As I leave St. George upward through Zion and Bryce Canyon, I see the beautiful red rocks of the desert transition into tall green trees and lush forests. The rust desert landscape slowly fades into rivers, lakes, and valleys. The transition is slow at first, but in time, the desert fades away as the world around me changes.
Each of us go through similar transformations throughout our lives. Time passes slowly and we don’t see these transitions occurring, but when you look back you can see how much life has changed. How much YOU have changed. I know this journey is a transition for me, my outlook on life, and my relationship with myself, the world, and those around me.
Our existence transforms the world around us. And as we change, we forever change its landscape. Until we reach our final transition into whatever comes next.
So what comes next for me? A little less desert. A little more mountains. And my next adventure.
So long St George, and farewell.
It’s time to head north.