HOW and WHY:

Describing HOW is difficult. How something makes you feel, how you started a project or how you plan to continue. How you got to where you are and plan to move forward. Even simple questions such as how are you doing? Or, how have you been? They are typically overlooked yet hold even more value. 

Then there are HOW people. The ones who know how to get things done or pivot to optimize projects with already proven success. WHY you start something new holds even greater value, but HOW it gets done is divine. How it feels to accomplish tasks that are simple to some yet unique to your personal toolbox. How to stay motivated and disciplined when yielding no tangible reward or recognition. How to remember why you started in the first place and how to continue to sustain those values. I’m no wizard, but I do know that directly after WHY comes HOW; they must both work together in unison. This is where the magic happens. 

HOW It Started:

I can take the easy route in deflecting everything from losing my father, job, and mind all at once. That wouldn’t be fair. It wouldn’t be fair to myself or the endless nights of abuse my computer, scalp, or mind have taken. The hair-pulling and headaches of being totally out of my element with hours of “personal development time” could drive any man (or woman) insane. This cuts deep, but as the great lyricist, J. Cole says, “There’s beauty in the struggle” (followed by obscenities I will not repeat), but you get the point.

Where did “the struggle” get me? Here, alone, still losing my hair, mind, and even some friends. HOW does it make me feel, though? This a question I think is much better to answer as days pass. It feels…Great! Thanks for asking. That was, of course, after going through the overwhelmed, excited, scared, drop everything, and move to Alaska cycle of emotions brought by starting something new. Through perseverance, a lot of coffee, and even more determination, we’re finally moving!

Finally Moving:

Through trial and error and a few books/online courses, I’ve learned the basics to get started. While building a website still proves to be a foreign language, using the resources available on the interweb has pushed me in the right direction. No, I cannot write code or tell you what the hell HTML stands for, but in the eyes of a first-time skier, I’ve managed to grasp the pizza and french fry concept. In this space, the pizza technique is the endless stream of online knowledge. On the other hand, french fries’ are in the form of the ol’ drag n’ drop method. Too much of either; you’re in trouble. So finding the sweet spot between the two is vital. Tied together by my sub-par writing skill and love for everything Vermont, we’re finally moving! Well, sort of.

While my skills can use some refining, discussing passion topics makes the task more enjoyable and within reach. So before writing me off for my punctuation skills (or lack thereof), bear with me, as this is just the beginning of a massive work in progress! Just knowing that there are some of you out there that will take away anything from these topics provides the satisfaction I desire.

Resistance:

Fighting resistance is its own dilemma. The urge to play in the snow and practice what I preach can be pretty distracting. The constant pull between work-life, or in my case, “self development-life,” proves to be a challenge. Especially when most “development” time is spent reading/writing behind closed doors. It’s much easier to grab a beer with pals or spend a day on the mountain than to be alone, staring at a blank canvas, searching for inspiration. As much as I prefer the former, there’s a wonder in both. Getting lost in a book can be as tranquil or thrilling as getting lost on your favorite hiking trail. Entering the flow state of writing can also offer the same sensations as your smoothest downhill turns. It’s all in how it makes you feel in the moment, and for me, behind closed doors, music playing, with minimal distractions, is a place of peace.

HOW I plan on moving forward:

When brainstorming how to put my thoughts to paper, a few obstacles presented themselves. How can I create valuable content, and how will it help others? How can I turn rusty skills into helpful tools for others to use? How, in a world where there are endless resources at your fingertips? My approach is quite simple. By sticking to what I know and presenting it to whom it can assist. Creating easy-to-read topics that can give anyone a greater understanding of HOW we locals do things. How we live our lives, share our passions and work together towards these common goals. All of which create a greater sense of belonging.

In a divided world, these mountains bring us together towards similar results. Providing unique perspectives that allow seasoned vets and newcomers to feel connected. A point of view found only by those who live life locally. Just as I experienced, not necessarily by residing in a mountain town but by adopting the values, mindset, and experiences that come with the territory. Anyone can belong; someone just has to show you HOW.

Staying true to WHY:

By staying true to my WHY and optimizing HOW things get done, I will continue to move forward. Generating more helpful content while connecting with other great minds to build a proper infrastructure that caters to you remains a priority. Expanding my grasp of local knowledge and how to share these ideas will be an uphill battle. One I am ready to face. While the picture may not be evident now, the landscape will come together as I continue to lay down each brick. Hence the motto that has gotten me this far. “Brick by Brick!” or the slightly vulgar, more straightforward version, “Keep Fucking Going!” Getting here wasn’t easy, and I’m not discounting the road ahead, but I believe in WHY I got to this point and plan to learn how to move us further. Together.