Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Family Time

Once I graduated high school, I felt that life moved much faster and family time grew more and more scarce. We become busy with our lives beyond the nest and often struggle to have unplugged family time.

This past week, I traveled out West to Steamboat Springs, Colorado with my boyfriend's family. I've grown very close to the Timm family over the past two years, graciously allowing me to be a part of their lives and family time. We spent quality time in the car, hiking, playing games, and sitting around the pool. It was as if time stopped for 9 days. We made memories that will get us through the rainy days, cold months, and harder days ahead.

Being in the mountains allows for a different kind of relaxation. The mountains draw you in and pull you away from the hustle of daily life. You develop an addiction to an active yet relaxing lifestyle. It was just as captivating as they said it would be.

As we went on several hikes, there was one in particular that stood out to me, the hike to Mt. Zirkel. We climbed up 12,000ft and were greeted with a beautiful lake. The mountains reflected onto the lake. As we sat at the top, soaking it in and appreciating the simplicity yet complexity of the view, I was in awe. I found myself falling in love with the lifestyle that we had adapted for a week. We were consumed by nature and quality time between us four. The trip was exactly what I needed to remind myself to slow down. I returned feeling recharged and changed. I learned that it doesn't take being up 12,000ft to remove yourself from the hustle, you just need some trails and a whole lot of trees. Don't get me wrong I'd choose the mountains in a heartbeat, but the time away taught me that we must make time to slow down. We don't need to travel to the mountains every time we need to slow down. We must create our own tranquility right where we are. I encourage you to step outside and go on a hike with your family, find a trail with no cell service too.

Until next time, I'll reminisce, close my eyes, and dream of the mountains.