TRAIL OF TRANSFORMATION: EMBRACING NATURES CHALLENGES WITH A RUTHLESS SPIRIT.
Colorado is an absolute playground for anyone with a pair of legs and a thirst for adventure. We’re talking about a whopping 40,000 miles of trails—yeah, you heard that right. Thanks to AllTrails for keeping count, because who else has the time? With 42 state parks, 13 National Parks, 13 National Forests and Grasslands, and not to forget, 58 14ers, it’s like the state is begging you to never stay indoors.
Now, don’t expect to see me decked out in the latest hiking gear that screams “I spent a fortune to walk in the woods.” Nah, I’m all about that minimalist life—give me a comfy ROK IT shirt, a backpack with the essentials (snacks, water, a pinch of salt), and some good ol’ tennis shoes, and I’m golden. So, if splurging on gear is what tickles your pickle, by all means, indulge!
Let’s dive into a couple of hikes that really rocked my world recently.
St. Mary’s Glacier – This is your “I want to feel accomplished but also chill by a beautiful lake” kind of hike. It’s a manageable 1.6-mile round trip north of I-70, sitting pretty between Idaho Springs and Georgetown. Easy peasy, right? The catch is the rocky bits, but as long as you’re not texting while walking, you’ll be fine. The lake at the end is a stunner, fed by a snowfield that’s not shy about melting. And yes, you can totally swim here if you’re into that “freezing my butt off” sort of thrill. Want more challenge? Keep hiking past the lake—just be ready for snow, even in September. I wasn’t kidding.
Lake Haiyaha – Ah, the crown jewel of my 2023 hiking adventures, nestled in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. This one’s a 4.2-mile round trip that requires a bit more oomph (and a reservation—thank you, modern technology). Parking is a beast, so either show up when the birds start singing or prepare for a mini-hike from your car to the trailhead. But oh, is it worth it. The lake is this surreal shade of blue that’ll have you questioning reality, surrounded by giant boulders that beg to be climbed. Pro tip: Venture beyond the crowd to find your own piece of paradise. Yes, the water’s cold as all heck, but the views? Chef’s kiss.
When you’re out there, taking in the vastness of it all, it’s the perfect moment to contemplate life’s big questions. Like, how did I accumulate so much laundry? Jokes aside, everything seems a bit more manageable when you’re a tiny human surrounded by nature’s grandeur. We’re essentially living on a rock floating through space, orbiting a flaming ball of death (aka the sun). Puts things into perspective, right? Grab that notebook and spill your thoughts—trust me, it’s better than any therapy session.
THE THERAPEUTIC SWING: GOLF’S ROLE IN FOSTERING A RESILIENT MINDSET
Alright, let’s swing into another passion of mine—golf. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a full-on, mind-and-body workout disguised as a leisurely game. I think it was Michael Jordan who said something like, “Golf is one of the hardest sports to play. It’s not team vs. team. It’s you vs. you!” And boy, was he right. Expect to be humbled, losing balls left and right and racking up the kind of scores in the front 9 that would make a pro golfer weep.
My first round of golf was after my grandpa passed away and my uncle took my cousin and myself in 2016. But it wasn’t until the universe decided to throw me a curveball—hello, divorce and sobriety in 2021—that I started taking my swings a bit more seriously. And let me tell you, there’s hardly a better way to spend 4-6 hours than whacking a tiny ball across a beautifully manicured landscape, questioning every life choice that led you to this moment.
Golf is the ultimate test of patience and strategy. It’s you pondering over the ball, thinking, “Do I play it safe, or do I go full Thor and hammer this thing over the creek?” It’s about adjusting your stance and wondering if the next move will earn you a triumph or another blasted snowman (that’s golf-speak for an 8 on a hole, for the uninitiated). Mess up? Well, you’ve only got yourself to blame, just like in the grand game of life.
Now, I’m not going to bore you with the nitty-gritty of clubs, techniques, or the science of golf. Why? Because frankly, I suck at it. But if you’re like me and see each game as a chance to beat your own high score in self-control and resilience, then you’re in for a treat.
For those in Colorado or planning a visit, here are a few courses that offer everything from “I might actually be good at this” to “I’m contemplating my existence”:
• Coyote Creek in Fort Lupton – Great for beginners. Confidence booster? Check. https://www.coyotecreekgc.com/
• The Dunes at Riverdale in Thornton – My personal favorite. It’s like the golf gods made this course just for me. https://www.riverdalegolf.com/dunes/
• Legacy Ridge in Westminster – A solid choice if you’re feeling moderately adventurous. https://www.westminsterco.gov/parksrecreation/golfwestminster/legacyridgegolfcourse
• Arrowhead in Littleton – If you want to feel fancy and challenge yourself, plus the views are killer. https://www.arrowheadcolorado.com/
• Mad Russian in Milliken – As the name suggests, hard AF. You’ve been warned. https://www.trpr.org/golf/
Golf, in all its frustrating glory, is more than a game. It’s a journey in self-discipline, a lesson in humility, and occasionally, a test of your vocabulary of curse words. But man, is it worth every moment.
RHYTHMS OF RESILIENCE: ROK IT’S JOURNEY AT A FLORIDA ROCK FESTIVAL
2021 was a year of unexpected twists and turns for me, a time when life felt like a mixtape of highs and lows. Amid this personal rollercoaster, I stumbled upon a music festival in Florida that seemed like a sign from the universe. It coincided with what would have been my three-year wedding anniversary and marked six months of sobriety. On my birthday, I decided to gift myself a ticket, a pledge of renewal and celebration of my journey thus far.
But as luck would have it, my initial pick, Rebel Rock, fell through spectacularly, canceling just as I was gearing up for the experience. “Fuck Rebel Rock!” became my unexpected mantra, a humorous twist in my road to self-discovery. However, this setback paved the way for something even better—Welcome To Rockville at Daytona Speedway. The lineup was a dream come true: Slipknot, Staind, Mudvayne, Wage War, Beartooth, and Metallica for not one, but two nights. The disappointment of Rebel Rock quickly faded, replaced by a renewed determination. This was it, my chance to dive headfirst into the live music scene I’d been craving.
The festival itself was a blend of solitude and solidarity. Days began with peaceful mornings by the beach, transitioned to casual rounds of golf, and culminated in nights filled with the kind of live music that feeds the soul. Being there, among a sea of fellow rock enthusiasts, seeing bands I’d only ever blasted through headphones, was a surreal kind of validation. It was a reminder that out of the ashes of our lowest points, we can rise, reinvent, and realize our dreams.
Welcome To Rockville wasn’t just an event; it was a milestone. It marked a point in my life where I truly understood that I could overcome, that I could build something from the ground up—ROK IT wasn’t just a possibility; it was a promise to myself. This festival, this moment in time, became a cornerstone of my personal and professional life. It was proof that with the right soundtrack, the right mindset, and a dash of courage, anything is possible.
To anyone reading this, let my journey to Welcome To Rockville serve as a reminder: your rock festival moment, your turning point, is out there. It’s not just about the music or the bands; it’s about finding that place where you’re reminded of what you’re capable of. It’s about facing your fears, embracing the challenges, and pushing through to forge your path. Find what makes you tick, chase the dreams that keep you up at night, and let your passions lead the way to a life that’s authentically and unapologetically yours.
ROCKING ROK IT: FASHION AS A MEDIUM FOR EXPRESSING UNYIELDING STRENGTH
In navigating the journey of life, we often gravitate towards the familiar, the paths well-trodden because they offer a semblance of comfort and security. Yet, there’s a profound truth in the idea that real growth, the essence of self-discovery, flourishes not in the safety of the known but in the courage to venture beyond it. What if embracing the unknown, stepping out of your comfort zone, is the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of yourself?
This leap into the unfamiliar is where true learning begins. It’s a shift from questioning the purpose of our challenges to recognizing them as opportunities for growth. This perspective is what ROK IT embodies—a symbol not just of a brand, but of a personal evolution that is as unique as it is universal. It represents a journey of resilience, a quest for authenticity, where being ‘ruthless,’ ‘owning it,’ and embodying kindness, improvement, and transformation take on deeply personal meanings.
Consider this an invitation to reflect: What does it mean to you to live ruthlessly? How do you define taking ownership of your life? What shape do kindness, improvement, and transformation take in your world? These aren’t mere questions; they’re a call to delve into the depths of your being. The most challenging battles, after all, are those we face within ourselves. It’s time to take control, to face those battles head-on with courage and conviction.
ROK IT stands as a testament to this journey—the discoveries, the realizations, and the acceptance of self. It’s about navigating life’s trials with a set of core values that guide you towards making decisions that align with who you truly are and who you aspire to be.
So, how do you showcase this transformation? How do you make a statement to the world about the work you’ve put in, about the person you’ve become and are still becoming? How do you wear your heart, your struggles, and your victories for the world to see, as you continue to build your life with purpose and passion?
That’s the essence of ROK IT.
Wearing ROK IT is not just a choice in fashion; it’s a declaration of your journey, a reflection of your inner strength, and a celebration of your ongoing pursuit of authenticity and resilience. It’s a way to say, “This is me. This is how I’ve grown. This is how I ROK IT.”
Now, I ask you: What does ROK IT represent to you? How do you live out the ROK IT ethos in your day-to-day life?
