Recently, while interviewing for a sales program, someone asked me: "What brought you to Colorado?" I answered this question by saying, "I was chasing whitewater". Today, I realized my answer was not entirely true. I guess I didn't actually realize that answer today, but realized that I left out a good portion of the truth that day. I didn't travel 1500 miles just to kayak. I traveled 1500 miles to better perue my passions; kayaking, learning, selling, seeking my place in this very large opportunistic world. Opportunistic, is that the right word? Maybe, maybe not. I just realized that my needs were not being fulfilled by living where I was living and doing what I was doing. Sure, I learned a ton while working on the east coast. I've worked with awesome companies and exerted countless hours searching for my passion in the work sense. I started kayaking promptly after college. I quickly became passionate about the sport and desperately tried to create career within the whitewater industry. I researched companies and reviewed the classified section of the Outdoor Industry Association web page often. It was kindof an obsession for a while. I applied to numerous jobs, scored 4 interviews for a position that went to someone else, and was offered an opportunity, with a different company, I was too scared to persue. The position I declined would've required a move 3000 miles across the country with a salary which most likely would not pay my bills or put food in my mouth. Sure it was a management position with a company in the industry, but the thought of persuing that opportunity scared the b'jeezes out of me. Turning down this opportunity brought tears to my eyes. Was I destined to be unhappy in my endless search of balance between work and play? Could I ever find passion in something other than whitewater kayaking?That's when I decided to move to Colorado. Through my research on the Outdoor Industry Association and other sites, I realized that most of the positions I coveted were out west, particularly in Colorado. So, without a place to live or work, I planned my slightly unorganized journey to Colorado. Now I work at an awesome bike shop, found passion for cycling, and am about to embark on an exciting journey of b2b sales. So, yes, I kindof followed the whitewater to Colorado, but honestly I was following something greater, passion. Passion for life. Passion for experiences and adventure. Passion for knowledge. I stand by my theory of everything happens for a reason. I also know that drive, determination, willingness to take risks and invite rejection, along with an open mind are the only way to find balance between work and play. Through passion, I will succeed! P.S. Currently reading, "What should I do with my Life" by Po Bronson