Reaching Sweet Heights
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
~Howard Thurman
I read this yesterday on the lovely Jenny Ferry’s Facebook bio. It’s been in my head since.
Come alive.
Wow that’s good stuff.
That’s how we affect change. Be strong role models. Share kindness. That’s how we reach sweet heights and make the world better.
We each do this in our own unique way. I remember how alive I felt the day of this hike. Not because of the hiking part but various elements of the day that got me fired up. There’s a recipe in there I should be trying to serve as often as possible.
Think about something you’ve done recently that made you come alive.
Now think about ways you can do more of it.
Above & Beyond
At the top of Mount Evans.
It was love at first sight when the universe gifted us sweet Rachel Keeter. Her presence on Team Sweetlife this summer goes far beyond Event Planning Intern.
Rachel shared a few words with us about the roads well traveled before landing in Colorado and what attracted her to the Rockies.
“Bring on Summer Timeee! I love Colorado in the summer! Mountain hikes, sunny patio, whitewater rafting, farmer’s markets, outdoor yoga, and cold local brews. It doesn’t get much better…until beginning my summer internship at Sweetlife Adventures.
After two years in college, I took a semester off to gain some clarity on my studies, to explore, and, of course, to take an adventure. I spent a month in Tanzania, Africa, helping to rebuild a local school, plant the foundation for a running water system, play futbol with the children, get my hair brushed by the village girls, and cook local foods. I gained so much more from Tanzania than I ever could have given. Africa was now not only on my mind but in my heart. Backpacking afterward, I visited England, Spain, and Ireland, which further enriched this wonderful overseas adventure.
Always smiling.
Once I graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Services, I packed up my newly purchased Subaru, and began my drive to colorful Colorado. Ending in Breckenridge, I was able to pursue my dream of being a ski bum. And after a fabulous year in the mountains, I descended into Denver.
In early June, I started an internship with Sweetlife Adventure. Working with Kristi and Kirsten, we began to tackle the busy summer schedule. While gaining professional skills, I noticed I was growing personally. Truthfully, I had never experienced balance quite like this.
As an intern, I plan and participate in our weekly events. Marketing, networking, and adventuring the summer away! Not bad, eh? So, this is my summer. Full of sunny patios, outdoor yoga, mountain hikes, and whitewater rafting trips. And it doesn’t get any better than when it’s shared with beautiful, confident, and empowered women. I feel so fortunate to have an internship with this wonderful organization. After all … life is sweet. And it’s the perfect time of year for adventure.”
Thanks for sharing Rachel! We’re so grateful you’re here!
Rachel with Kirsten getting ready to raft Clear Creek.
The Real Sweetness of the Night
We were given 3 tickets to the American Idol concert last Saturday night. I was thrilled to make it into a special date night with our little guy and his buddy. Lights, loud music, loads of people – they loved it.
Part way into the second half, I noticed Briggs staring at the open space at the back of the floor seating area.
He was captivated.
I looked down to see a family dancing. There were 4 young children, mom and dad. They were getting their groove on, spinning and twirling on the mock dance floor, trading partners and sharing special time hand-in-hand with one another. All looked carefree and natural and were smiling from ear to ear.
I was captivated.
That glowing, dancing family of 6 included one child in a wheelchair. While this detail caught my attention, it clearly wasn’t something to which they gave a second thought. They were deep in their moment.
The beauty of the ease with which they naturally incorporated any required modifications was so touching. It was an inspiring reminder that we all have the ability to celebrate the moment. We all can dance.
With happy tears streaming down my face, I never did look back to the stage.
While Phillip Phillips crooned from the front, my eyes were on the back watching the real sweetness of the night.
Sweet Summer Lovin’
Put me on an Austrian mountaintop and call me Maria – these recent finds have quickly become my favorite things this summer.
WANT TO SMILE?
Meet Dancing Matt
Do you know where the hell Matt is? Matt has been uniting the world with his (self proclaimed) goofy dancing since 2003. Watch all 4 videos and be sure to read Matt’s sweet story. Grab a kleenex – there may be some happy tears.
WANT TO SIMPLIFY?
Do the Truffle Shuffle
Summer has been sweet sailing with my Truffle bag. It keeps my essentials safe and accessible while simplifying the transition from pool bag to purse. Friday night I even proudly took my naked Truffle into an impromptu dinner.
WANT TO PUSH?
Tri Hard
An impulse post-40th-birthday decision has me taking on the Tri for the Cure. It’s been surprisingly fun to creatively fit in the workouts for this empowering women’s triathlon. From family swim mornings to biking whenever possible, I’m finding ways to get it done. Even if I have to do it in white jeans.
*Registration is still open and there’s plenty of time to prepare your already fit bods. (You know who you are!)
WANT TO MODIFY?
Leave Your Hat On
Adding swimming and bike helmets to daily life has required some style modifications. Having a cute summer hat on hand has been invaluable. Last Friday I went from a 100 degree bike ride home from a meeting to a Rockies game. I may have been the sweatiest person there. Well, me and the sweet soul who had to play Dinger on a day of record heat.
WANT TO REFRESH?
Savor Grownup Popsicles
A recent sweet find at our farmers market, these “artisan ice pops” by Lix Stix will really cool you down (especially during the aforementioned heat). Chocolate sea salt is just one of the ever-changing gourmet flavors they sell via their pedal pusher carts around town. We were particularly thrilled to learn they do special events and weddings. Guess what we’ll be serving at our next Standup Paddle Adventure?
What are your summer discoveries? It would be so sweet if you share!
sweetly,
kristi
SweetTalk 