It's been a million years since I have had a gratitude post. Specifically on a Thursday post. I used to follow a blogger that always posted about thankful Thursday. I appreciated her candidness and genuine voice. Her cadence and rhythm spoke to me.
I lost the habit of doing a Thankful Thursday post. It evolved into a throwback sort of thing. Throwbacks are fun and I participate on IG and FB often. Today, I want to return to the gratitude post. I am determined to do 2023 different. Not just sit back and follow what has worked in the past. Let's change it up and strive for more.
I am thankful for being in Denver. Denver has been my home, off and on, since 2001. I broke up with Denver in 2011 but knew that I would return one day. Phoenix and Santa Fe housed me for a few years. I had lived in Phoenix for a few years outside of college. I had achieved a support network of restaurant people and felt confident returning to see what had changed. My tolerance to the heat, lol. When I was 22, I lived in Phoenix without air conditioning in my car. For two years, somehow, I managed that feat. Looking back, I must have convinced myself that it was normal to sweat in your bra daily.
They say it is a dry heat. It is freaking hot!!! Trying to drive around the city without air conditioning ten years later was not remotely happening. A few times the a/c would go out and I would freak out, find the nearest mechanic and handle it. The yoga scene in Phoenix is legit. I have always enjoyed the yoga community there. As much as I enjoyed Phoenix and my support network, I knew that I wanted to return to Denver at some point. I knew that I wanted to check out another spot and slowly make my way north.
Santa Fe has always had this mystical attraction for me. I would visit twice a year and explore the restaurant scene and hang out with Melody. In 2014, I tried to live there. As attractive as it was as a tourist, I had a challenging time fitting in. It is a small town. There are incredible restaurants and a fantastic mystical vibe. Yet, I yearned for being in a city. The return to Denver was complete in 2015.
I came home and rebuilt my support network. I added to it and cultivated other friendships. I am thankful for my friend group. They are supportive, encouraging and fun. They inspire me and the longer I remain here, the more our friendships evolve. A few people have moved away. Others have taken other jobs in industries where I am limited in seeing them. Isn't this the nature of life? I am thankful for my lifelong friendships which stem from the restaurant industry. I have been blessed to meet many incredibly talented people who remain in contact with me.
This year, I am considering returning to Santa Fe. In many ways, it makes sense. Tom is there. Melody is there. I love the food. I would frequent my favorite green chile place weekly. Soaking at Ojo Caliente would be a monthly ritual. There are many activities that I enjoy.
Still, in Denver, I am able to get a body scrub, Thai massage, etc. I have a favorite pedicure spot. Walkable from my house and close to a wine spot. There are other amazing things in Denver and truly, I am thankful for my life here. Yoga is here. I have created a community that is growing and expanding. I do like several aspects of my life here. I struggle to decide what is best for me. The independence of my life in Denver is intoxicating. I feel comfortable meeting friends for lunch, dining solo or checking out new spaces. I am sure that I can create that in Santa Fe, too.
I am conflicted. Should I stay or should I go? I am happy spending time with Tom in each place, and I want to explore where that will lead. So far, we are both committed to making it work. I appreciate that very much.
There are many things that I am grateful for today. Clean water. I forget how much I appreciate access to water. My washing machine has been on the fritz (my landlord has not made time to rectify this for a few months. She was out of the country but has been back over a week. I am ready for it to be fixed). Still, it is more of an inconvenience/irritation. It is manageable. The nearest laundromat is four blocks away.
What are you thankful for? How are you celebrating 2023 so far? Any hacks or suggestions? Make it your best year yet!
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