Rediscovering my Purpose

Adrienne and Jill live about 4 miles from me. Today we decided to grab breakfast in their neighborhood at 8, so if I leave at 7 that gives me plenty of time to warm up and then run to meet them. I had to run for my training today anyways. So - I am off.

As I head up from 1st on my way to 23rd I notice a shift as I cross over several neighborhoods on my way to theirs.

My neighborhood, Cherry Creek, is antiseptic and full of stucco "mcmansions" (at least that is what the Realtor calls them). Though I loved this neighborhood when I moved in 5 years ago, I am starting to tire of it's lack of individualism and flair.

Next comes 6th and 7th Ave. Beautiful, classic brick homes that have been around since probably the beginning of Denver. Older people, long retired, taking walks hand in hand. Lawns perfect enough to be in Home & Garden.

Next up is 10th and Milwaukee. This is my favorite area so far. Smaller homes than the previous neighborhood, but beautiful and lined up in a way that all I want to do is buy one and raise a family on those elm lined streets. I start noticing the state flower - the Columbine - growing wild in manicured yards. Middle aged couples are running, walking their dogs, having coffee on their front porches.

I then cross into the 12th Ave. area. The homes become more eclectic. Some are brick, some are stucco, some are purple. I loved the feel. Younger people, dressed for success, heading off to their jobs before they start their long weekend. Nothing is consistent here, but there is beauty in the chaos of it all.

I had to take a moment to cross over Colfax. If you know Denver, Colfax is actually pretty scary. At 7 in the morning you could get high and a hooker on the same street corner. I pick up my pace.

But just 2 blocks away from that you enter into Park Hill. Young, old, married, single, families, DINK's (double income no kids). They are all here. Sipping coffee at the local bakery. Buying fresh food from the Italian market. It is wonderful and so very uplifting being able to run through it at this time of the morning.

I meet up with my friends and am struck by how different the world looks when you aren't in a car. Maybe my experiment isn't about my needing a luxury car. Maybe it is morphing into my need to slow down, realize the beauty around me, and literally stopping to smell the roses.

I believe that I am transforming as I take this journey. I now believe it is less about the vanity of my external needs and more about finding true happiness in a place where happiness has existed all along.