This is the constant struggle I face.

Being comfortable isn’t a bad thing, right? But is adventure more important? They feel mutually exclusive.

I see more and more of my friends and people I meet at the crag saying they’re moving into their van or truck. They’re installing a bed and just going for it.

[Cue the feelings of jealousy as I head back to my 9-5 job in a cubicle.]

Each time it makes me question my decisions. It makes me wonder, “Why can’t I be the one that makes other people jealous?” “Why can’t I be the one that chases happiness and dreams rather than security and comfort?” Well, for one, security lets you have adventure. It’s a lot easier to enjoy yourself when you’re not worried about food and survival. When you know you can fill up the gas tank in the car you’re living out of. Security let’s you relax, knowing that you don’t have to figure out your next move.

But then, I come back to the question: At what cost?

We’re all at least a little bit worried about our future and our potential regrets. Simultaneously.

Then every once in a while, an opportunity arises for you to have it all. You can create a career for yourself and you can live a life full of adventure. Chasing fun around every corner. And then? Then the hard part. You have to do it. Your excuses are gone and you have no choice but to grab that opportunity and run with it.

You build yourself a home on wheels. You figure out the bare necessities that you truly need to be happy. You sell everything else and you hit the road. You go where the sun is shining, the beer is good and the stoke is high.

And you know what? It’s scarier than any super exposed, multi-pitch trad route you’ll ever climb.

But just like any fear, it’s oh so sweet when you overcome it. Or at least that’s my hope.

My time moves pretty slow most of the time.  I’m the guy that checks you into your hotel. I say hi to you, and send you on your way.  You just came from a tough meeting.  The weather forced you off the interstate.  Your toddlers are freaking nuts.  Regardless of why I’m checking you into my hotel, you don’t want to talk to me and I’m man enough to admit that.

But, if you came up to me and asked what really got me going, I wouldn’t say I loved working in a hotel.  I would say I worked in a hotel in order to support my mountain lifestyle.  I do a little bit of everything; skiing, mountain biking, kayaking…you name it.  My coworkers think I’m weird because my jeep is always muddy and smelling like wet boots.  My boss wonders why I always have the weather report up on my computer desktop.  Guests at the hotel wonder how I know all the best local hiking spots.  Yes ma’am, I can find you a place where you won’t run into any other tourists.  Put away your iphone and write down these directions.  There is no GPS signal where you’re going.  

My point is that you have no idea what might get somebody else through the day unless you ask.  I spend my time at work looking out the window at the mountains.  I beg departing guests in ski pants to take me with them.  Most of the time they just look at me and laugh.  You’re the kid behind the hotel desk.  Indeed I am.

However, a job pays the bills, and a passion gets you through the hours.  Some people are lucky enough to have both wrapped into one, and I applaud them.  Some people live vicariously through the pros, and never get off their sofa.  And then some of us punch out on the time clock and sprint for the door; desperate to get a new coat of mud on that jeep.

To the sofa sitters; find the passion in your life.  You owe it to yourself.  To the guest scoffing in the ski pants; I will beat you down the mountain old man.  And to the outdoor community; You are an inspiration that gets me through the work week.  Thank you.

Stay Stoked