Since Colorado Springs was first settled, people have come to it for healing. The Ute people would travel down Ute Pass and visit the springs where they made offerings to the spirits for good health. Later on, Colorado Springs' climate and mountain setting made it a popular health resort for people with weak lungs and tuberculosis.

Coming out to Colorado Springs after college, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I saw the immediate – starting a job, navigating a long-distance relationship, making friends. As I reflect on the past year and a half of my life in this city I've come to truly adore, I realize Colorado Springs has given me so much more.

Quickly into my time in Colorado Springs, I committed to finding a way to make a difference. Without taking a breath, I jumped into coffee dates and lunch meetings. Anything that smelled of creativity, I made sure I was there. My ears overflowed with stories of how other creatives were making their mark on the world.

Before long, I had my own idea – Car Window Poetry.

I jumped in with everything I had. Giving, sharing, loving, leading. And soon enough, burning out.

As I walked to my car with flu chills that shook me to the core, I vowed to myself, "I'll never let this happen again." In a matter of months, I had let the hustle overtake my health, my lust for success derail my pursuit of love.

German philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote, “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”

While in Colorado Springs, I've gotten a taste of what matters least and realized the things that matter most taste a whole lot better. Things like family, therapy, holding space for pain, and showing up. Things like solitude, listening, vulnerability, and going after the one.

I came to Colorado Springs not knowing what to expect and now realize maybe I was coming here looking for healing too. I head to Columbus on Thursday knowing I'm leaving the Springs more full than I came.

With love,