A morning beneath the Tetons

A cool breeze rustles the trees nearby as I sit on the bank of a clear pond. The sun slowly rises, capping the Tetons with a warm pink glow. Morning is by far my favorite, no matter how much I struggle waking up for it. The cool air mixed with the warm glow of the sun spreading throughout the valley keeps me intrigued, wanting more but I know the show will soon be over. As I sit in silence, watching the morning mist evaporate by the heat of the sun, birds begin chirping, waking the wildlife for a new day. Jackson, Wyoming has been my home for my entire 23 years of living. I have left for periods of time; college, work, travel; but I have always kept this place close at heart. As my time here has grown shorter, in a sense, this place has become more important to me each year. I find that taking for granted the place you grew up is a common occurrence, yet it is overlooked. Being someone who has grown up in the same place their entire life, it wasn't until I left for college, that I truly understood my hometown. No matter where you grow up, there is always something that stands out for each place, something that makes it unique. Whether that's miniscule, such as a favorite spot in a park or a favorite restaurant, or something much larger such as a mountain range or a lake.

For Jackson, I would consider it to be the vast space of Teton county which encompasses a town of no more than 25,000 people. The ability to separate yourself from humanity is rather simple. I find this useful in keeping myself grounded. When you can go out into nature alone with your own thoughts or with a companion, it enables you to see the larger perspective of life. Separating yourself from social media or the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a city, enables you to think openly. However, as I have had to transition into working around a city lifestyle; which has many benefits in its own; I have begun to realize what benefits open spaces and nature have done for me over the years. When you can separate yourself from normal life, for a week, a day, or even an hour, it gives you a sense of relaxation and fixes your mind on the time and space here and now. It separates us from our current reality and opens the door to the larger picture of life

Even after living out here for over 20 years, I consistently need to remind myself of the importance of this separation. I find that doing so, encourages new thoughts and ideas, some good and some bad but nevertheless they are new ways thinking that I wouldn’t have created otherwise. I know this may sound corny to some people, and I don’t blame you. I would think the same if this wasn’t a common thing for me to do. However, I do think a “home” can mean many things, whether that is a state of mind, a location, or even a memory. No matter your age or where you’re from, I hope that whoever reads this, just might be inspired to get out and enjoy some time outdoors and away from their everyday lifestyle. Branch out and try something new, it just might create a new “home” for you. I personally love experiencing new places and I know that one day in the near future I will have a new place to call home.