Where the Sun Always Shines

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning our final descent into Reno.” It’s the same each time I come home. Regardless of where I’ve been in the world, the butterflies start their dance as I silently rejoice. I smile to myself as the monotonous landscape begins to morph into regions of recognition. There’s nothing quite like coming home.

Home: a city so familiar you find yourself tracing street routes in your head to coax yourself to sleep. 

It’s always striking for me to hear people’s misconceptions about Reno while traveling abroad. This little Vegas full of divorce, liquor, and harlotry has more to offer than our reputation suggests. For one, we have community. We have a young adult population that bands together to raise money for great causes. We have wine walks and Artown, Ace’s fans and UNR supporters. There is nothing quite like meeting a fellow Renoite while abroad. Chances are, although you may never have met before, you are somehow connected through the 6 degrees of Reno. There is a certain sense of camaraderie between those of us who pronounce our home state “the correct way.” 

Another draw: the great outdoors. Within hours I can find myself lounging in an oasis-style hot spring in the middle of the Black Rock Desert. The spring’s trees shading me from hail falling out of a perfectly sunny sky. Or I can drive in another direction and end up at the shore of an alpine lake nestled snugly into the austere mountains. Acres of sage brush, forests of pines, even fields of wildflowers make our home a place breathtaking beauty.

Then there’s the sky. The sky in Reno is untouchable in my mind. Waves of the brightest blue contrast the comforting tan of the hills in perfect harmony. Miles of uninterrupted space result in spectacular sunbursts of color during the rising and setting of the sun. The sky plasters itself in hues of pinks, purples, and oranges so vibrant they seem to defy reality. I always miss the sky the most when I am gone. 

For a vagabond at heart, the idea of home can be complicated. Home can be seen as a too familiar place that doesn’t leave much room for growth. However, home can also be seen as a haven. A place where you don’t have to be anything but a Renoite. No matter where life takes me, I know that without a doubt home will always mean Nevada to me.  

It's Okay to be Selfish

I am going to tell you something that goes against what we have been taught our whole lives - it is okay, and even sometimes essential, to be selfish.

We live in a society that constantly pressures us to put other people's needs before our own. Parents' needs come after their children's, spouses' needs come second to their love's. Every move we make is supposed to benefit those around us, which is an awesome and beautiful thing! However, what about our own needs? If we are too busy living our lives for those around us, who is going to help us?

It's become taboo to put yourself first. We're taught to be selfless: always think of others first; put your desires on the back burner. However, if you can't care for yourself, it is likely that you cannot fully care for others. Jim Rohn said it perfectly, “you take care of you for me and I’ll take care of me for you.” 

Too often I hear the words "I wish that I could do that" and it makes me wonder why people think that they can't.  You can put school on hold while you figure out what you actually want to do. You can backpack Europe on a whim. You can actually do pretty much anything you want to. All it takes is a little bit of courage and the will to be selfish. 

Never live vicariously through anyone else. Follow your heart and follow your dreams.

Embrace your selfishness. Find the zest for your life. Instead of worrying about how other people will receive you, worry about what it is that you actually want to do. 

I am selfish. I am proud of it. And I think that you should be too.