Ah, Colorado. Sunny for more than 300 days a year, 39,000+ miles of hiking trails, and access to the mountains from Denver in less than 20 minutes (15 without traffic, but let’s be real: there’s always traffic). Our beautiful Centennial State is chock-full of possible adventures. And we Coloradans like to adventure. 

How many times have you asked a friend or coworker what their weekend plans involve and they’ve responded with something along the lines of “Oh I’ll probably do something fairly lowkey. Maybe go on a hike or two,” or, “I’m skiing at insert-your-chosen-mountain-here.” 

I’m gonna be 100% completely, totally, vulnerably honest here. 

I’ve lived in Colorado for five years and I have never hiked a 14er. Worse yet, I don’t know that I ever will. The idea of hiking for hours on end in increasing altitude and lessening oxygen doesn’t sound like my idea of fun. 

I know that’s a lot to take in.

It’s okay, you can take a minute to process.

We’ll get through this. 

In a state that measures its weekend success in 14ers and exploring national parks, it can be somewhat alienating to admit that I’m not super outdoorsy. I get the draw of it; Colorado is gorgeous and of course I enjoy experiencing it up close. I’ll never forget when I saw a moose walk across the road on my way out of Rocky Mountain National Park. Or the view from the base of the Maroon Bells.

When I moved here, I convinced myself I would become Colorado Girl. I bought a pair of hiking shoes, a snowboard, and a trendy water bottle (a Hydroflask. I think we’re about six brands past that trend by now). I made a bucket list of Colorado adventures and my New Year’s resolution was to hike Pikes Peak by the end of the year. Five years later, I have completed about one-third of that list, and I have yet to see the top of Pikes Peak.

I know that sounds like I got lazy, but in reality, I just grew more comfortable in my own personality. I began to accept that while I do enjoy pretty views and fun outdoor adventures, I enjoy other activities more. I realized that don’t have to mold myself to Colorado’s adventure culture to like living here.

And y’know what? It’s way more fun for me now. Because instead of forcing myself into activities that make me sound like an ultra-cool outdoorsy Wonder Woman, I do things that make me feel more like myself. The adventures I choose to take now are far more enjoyable because I know I’m doing them for the right reasons. I’m not trying to be Colorado Girl anymore—I’m filling my life with memories that reflect my interests and desires. 

So the next time you feel like you don’t live up to Colorado’s ultra-outdoorsy culture, ask yourself: Does it matter if I fit in if I’m being myself?

Spoiler: The answer is no.