ENDLESS SUMMER

I almost wish we were butterflies and live'd but three summer days–three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain. – John Keats

I suppose that it's only fitting that I should be dreaming of chasing an endless summer in the midst of a 3 degree Winter morning with a RealFeel® of -5, especially when it's supposed to reach 81 degrees in Belize later today. Despite the anticipation of shedding the cold and snow in exchange for a continuous warm climate shift, I am still relatively saddened at the thought that this my very well be my last Winter in Colorado, as I am constantly reminded by the very realistic thought that I may never return to Denver, or even the United States for that matter. The great adventure of the world unknown and what may lay ahead brings both the challenges to overcome this mental hurdle and the heart-pounding exhilaration of not being able to fathom how life changing this 'all-in' attitude may bring through new life experiences.

The quote for this blog reminds me to live a life that differs from the one I've cultivated over the past 29 years of my life thus far. Determined to make differences, not only in my own life, but as many as I can in the lives of others as well. I know I've shared with several friends that I plan to do quite a bit of volunteer work, everywhere from Nicaragua to South Sudan to Hong Kong, and I hope my experiences will also help others to become motivated in achieving something life changing that rests beyond their own abilities as well, because I have a strong belief and personal philosophy that when we turn the perception away from ourselves our eyes are opened to a much larger picture–something beautiful, unhindered by underlying agendas and personal expectations. A true sense of liberty.

Once again I am amazed at the unique situations that develop, especially amongst other world travelers and when you're least expecting them. Saturday night, a group of us were out at dinner for our friend Frank's birthday at The Melting Pot and over the course of our two-hour dinner I struck up a conversation with our server who just happen to have spent four months in South America. Immediately, the connection that seems to exist among other adventurous souls was ignited and before I knew it the chocolate fondue on the table was practically empty. I found myself talking more than indulging in the flambéed milk chocolate, caramel, and chopped pecans of the Flaming Turtle. Shameful? I know...don't call me a man.