11/01/2024: Pine, CO Day 1

We finally made it. It’s so quaint and quiet in this cabin, and I can’t wait to rest and recharge here where having a connection to the outside world isn’t even an option even if I wanted to have one. It’s all downloaded music and meaningful conversations from here on out. And that’s just how we like it. 

I’m worn out today from starting the morning off early and getting ready to come here; it’s always a challenge to disconnect from that bustling mindset, to settle into the slow pace in a cabin in the woods where time doesn’t exist. It’s strange to ponder on the constructs that we rely on in the world and how we find them so crucial for survival. 

We always have to be here or there on time, and we have to have X amount of money to have things. And these constructs keep us on that straight line, striving for things that at the end of the day still remain out of reach. We’ll never have enough time to do it all, and we’ll never have enough money to have it all. 

That’s why it’s so hard to unburden myself from these constraints, to enjoy the time I’m given and the means that Caleb and I have that allow us to live a happy and fulfilling life together; there’s always that voice in the back of my mind telling me that we’ve got to do what everyone else is doing. Meanwhile we’ve been striving to have less so that we can have more: more time for ourselves and more means for adventures. 

Less really is more in that respect. And I never thought it would be something that I wanted to strive for, but it’s all I ever think about in between the demands of everyday life. And when I finally get the chance to run away for a little while, to a cute and tranquil place of solitude with my best friend, all those desires always come rushing back to the forefront and I picture myself staying here forever.

I know I always wax poetic about the same things when I escape to nature, but at least I know my dreams remain consistent, and all I have to do is keep striving until I achieve them. I also know that my love is in dire need of this retreat, and I want everything to be relaxing and restorative for him in a time of real world burnout. I even enjoy a break from the same four walls and routine now and then. 

All the adult things are taken care of so my mind can remain free and open to whatever nature wants to tell me. I’m here to reflect and to listen, and to reflect some more. And to top it all off, it’s so crisp and cold, and it’s the perfect cozy atmosphere for snuggling up in sweaters and blankets and disappearing in books and writing and everything else creative and electronics free. Mostly. I’m definitely going to enjoy a little hand held video game time while I have the chance.