Move to Utah: An Invisible Choir

As unattainable as it is at times to discover pure truth, I'm a seeker of knowledge and I found an abundance of clarity and perspective through the process of traveling. I noticed how my mind would work entirely differently when I wasn't in the familiarity of my home state, Wisconsin. I noticed I was more open and willing to accept challenges ahead of me. I had more energy, I was inspired, I was more assertive, and the benefits I noticed within myself, continue on. I've always been determined to feed my inner curiosity with the dream of transcribing my bag of ideas into tangible real world productivity. So when I say something, I mean it and when I think something, I try to show it. After I graduated college this past May of 2018, I never had the slightest conflict with my nomadic principles. For a long time I'd contemplated a move out of Wisconsin so when my school's prison sentence ran out, It was also time for me to get out. During this process, I've even grown good friends with father time and appreciate the paradox in which life is infinitely as long or short as we want it to be. There is no better time for a 24 year old to move across the country and with many visions in place it came as naturally as waking up from a good night's sleep. I've always found solitude in the mountains, so after pondering a few geographically diverse states, I decided Utah was the place for me.

Today, I've lived here for 6 months now and can say with ease I've never felt so peaceful in my life. To say I was stretching the limits of travel and exploration when I was in Wisconsin would be an understatement. I was constantly searching online to figure out where my next destination would be and often these getaways were costly and very far away. Personally, It was never a possibility to lead a life where I'd wait all year long for my next vacation so it was gravely important for my home-base to be in a spot I considered a daily vacation This means having direct access to the mountains and throwing myself into a culture which seems to cultivate an active outdoor lifestyle. It feels like I'm closer to the energy source that makes me happy. Whether Utah is a long-term home or not, I know I've veered closer to full-filling my destiny. Consequently, It's much easier to simply be myself because there's a level of understanding that doesn't need to be reexplained or further interpreted. I understand the environment better and it understands me.

It means a lot to finally live somewhere where my backyard is a never ending playground ripe for exploration and discovery. Even through the humdrum of necessary routine, to be able to see mountains towering above the horizon just about anywhere I look, speaks of freedom to my soul. Another intrinsic goal I'm after, is to find balance with my mind, body, and spirit. So Utah makes for the perfect place to bounce from one athletic challenge to another. It's like being inserted in a game with infinite levels to climb when it comes to biking, running, mountaineering, and yes, climbing. It's rather humbling here. On a daily basis I feel like the possibilities are truly endless for me to evolve in sport but also through my creative endeavors.

Although this journey is very much associated with my end vision, just completing a move is enough to light a fire under my ass to keep moving, learning, and adapting. For some, the idea of leaving family and friends is detrimental but for me it's another opportunity to grow. Moving is similar to travel because it allows you to step outside the relative bubble we hold near and dear. On the outside we are presented with an opportunity to expand this bubble or start a new one because you can see the sticky film for what it actually is. With the right headspace, stepping outside your comfort zone is a direct portal to understanding yourself at a much deeper level. And without a clearer insight into who you are and where you're going, it's very possible this will could lead to a life of stagnation and depleting happiness. As you can see, I desire the opposite of the two, I want to feel free to evolve and overflow my mug of energy because I've noticed know when my glass is full it has no other option but to spill into the cups around me.

Moving to Utah wasn't the biggest challenge I've ever faced but I hope it's a trial to something greater, maybe like Hercules's 12 labors, but pertinent to my own path.

Nick Uthe is a travel photographer, writer, and digital entrepreneur in Salt Lake City. He is the Owner of outdoor apparel and media brand GrandTaiga, and a Contributor for Outside TV, and HUMANFITPROJECT.

For more beautiful photography, journal entries, and project updates connect with Nick on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and be sure to subscribe to The Positive Pioneer Newsletter. Enjoy & as always, get out there!

[Tags] #adventure #backpacking #utah #vanlife #grandtaigatimes #mountainmen #travelvan #adventureblogger #travelwriter #utahphotographer #saltlakecityphotography #lifecoach