Dakota Beerman

Denver

Last week I went to Denver. If there is one thing I can tell you it’s at some point in your life go to Denver or one of the surrounding cities. It’s that good. The mountains, the food, the people; It’s endless amounts of experiences you’ll gather.

We went to multiple cities within driving range while also traveling one day into the mountains themselves (Estes Park).

Cities / Towns we went to:

  1. Denver
  2. Golden
  3. Colorado Springs
  4. Estes Park
  5. Fort Collins
  6. Boulder

Each of the places above were within an hour driving range making this an easily explorable location. Denver was the big city with more restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries than we knew what to do with (They were all awesome). It was a challenge to find a place we didn’t like. The other cities / towns we went to were all unique ranging from quiet mountain town to bustling college city.

The goal of the trip was to relax, be refreshed, enjoy our friends, and enjoy this beautiful state. We saved up money so we could spend it on anything we wanted: food, rental car, and experiences. It was great. We ate good, drank good, did what we want, and had nowhere to be. I imagined if this were my life. I had enough money and time to do whatever I want. I’m exploring, eating, drinking, and relaxing.

After a couple days I started to get semi – depressed. I felt a little sad, like I was losing a step in my work, in my church, in my pursuit of different dreams and goals. Relaxation was dulling me into meaninglessness. Aimee felt it to. It encouraged some journaling on “what am I pursuing?”.

Having all the time and all the money in the world will not make me happy. I KNOW that, now I can FEEL that. Here are some things that give my life meaning:

Relationships:

  1. God
  2. Spouse
  3. Communities
  4. Coworkers

My work:

  1. Job
  2. Projects
  3. Hobbies
  4. Skills

The process:

  1. Successes on the journey
  2. Failures on the journey

The principle of “Work Hard, Rest Hard” was at work here. By getting away from the many important things in my life, I was able to get perceptive that has turned to motivation and inspiration to enjoy these most important things.

For those interested in some Denver recommendations:

Here are 25 things we loved, 14 that were ok, 6 we hated, and the 4 things you must do.

Love It List:

  1. OCC Brewing (Colorado Springs)
  2. Jubilee Coffee
  3. Parlor Donuts
  4. Tennyson Street Shopping
  5. Sloan Lake
  6. Odell’s Brewery
  7. Shake Shake
  8. Legacy Pies
  9. Moonflower Coffee
  10. Steam Coffee
  11. Sweat Greens
  12. REI Outlet (Denver)
  13. Garden of the Gods
  14. Red Rocks Ampitheatre
  15. Boulder, CO
  16. Alpine Modern Coffee
  17. Linger (food)
  18. Huckleberry Coffee
  19. Manitou Brewing
  20. Beignets (Manitou Springs)
  21. Lost City Coffee
  22. Birds Nest Coffee
  23. Fort Collins City
  24. Uno Mas Tacos
  25. Nuance Chocolate

“EHH” List (Just ok)

  1. Colorado Springs
  2. Snooze Brunch
  3. Milk Mart shopping center
  4. Hello Darling Coffee
  5. Bitty and Beau Coffee (Their mission is awesome though)
  6. Boulder Shopping Square
  7. Hiking Boulder
  8. Skratch Coffee
  9. Denver Biscuit Company
  10. Manitou Incline
  11. Social (Fort Collins)
  12. Golden, CO
  13. Blue Oven Pizza
  14. THC Gummies

Hate It List:

  1. Staying in a hotel (Airbnb is better)
  2. Shopping in Manitou
  3. Atomic cowboy
  4. Recess Brewing
  5. 14er Brewing
  6. Little Owl Coffee

Top 4 MUST DO THIS list:

  1. Estes Park
  2. Birds Nest Pizza
  3. Odell’s brewing
  4. Tennyson Street

Dakota Beerman

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