As I prepared to embark on my maiden micro-adventure in the van, I couldn't help but reflect on some of the experiences that brought me to that point in my life. All of our actions, creative or otherwise, are forms of self-expression. It seems that self-expression is the ways and means by which we fulfill our most innate human needs. Without self-expression, how do we develop love and belonging, esteem, or self-actualization? My foray into abstract painting provided a valuable parallel to life. Gather the materials we need and start by throwing some paint on the canvas. Don't concern ourselves with the outcome. We can always paint over it.
It's been six months since the journey into van life began. From a three-week trip through Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies to balancing local micro-adventures with my Salt Lake City-based career, the experiences continue to bring unimaginable color to my life portrait.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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