Week 2: Creative Inspiration from Travel

Traveling through Utah, Idaho, and Montana sparked fresh ideas for integrating more mountainous settings into my writing, especially inspired by the stunning canyons near my stay and the volcanic features of Yellowstone National Park. I laid out a flexible plan for the scenes I aimed to work on daily, aware that some would require more time than anticipated. For instance, a scene I believed would take a day instead spanned three, ultimately leading to a fantastic transitional setup.

Section 2.1: Writing for Medium

Over the last fortnight, I committed to writing a Medium article every day. However, due to the remote locations I visited, not every article was published immediately. I am now focusing on posting them periodically or in groups, like this recap. Even on days when I completed a half-marathon and explored Yellowstone, I made sure to draft an article, keeping my writing habit alive.

Section 2.2: Staying Hydrated

My hydration goal of 80 ounces of water has become second nature, and I plan to maintain at least 64 ounces after this challenge. The heat in my area encourages me to drink more, significantly reducing my consumption of other beverages—except for coffee, of course! This hydration focus has led to a noticeable decline in soda and sports drink intake. For electrolytes, I simply add a Nuun tablet to my water.

Section 2.3: Daily Fitness Routine

My exercise regimen primarily consisted of stretching and posterior-chain workouts, with the exception of the aforementioned half-marathon. Unfortunately, a potential stress fracture in my foot and the need for a walking boot have limited my activity, thwarting my plans to start training for a full marathon.

Section 2.4: Keeping Spaces Tidy

While traveling, I didn't time my cleaning efforts but concentrated on being a considerate guest, picking up after myself, and maintaining organization. After less than two days at home, I hit the road again to Houston, ensuring my hotel room remained tidy, as I find hotel clutter can quickly become overwhelming.

Section 2.5: Enjoying the Outdoors

Spending at least 15 minutes outdoors was a breeze during my trip, as I found myself captivated by the majestic mountains every day.

Photo by Jake Weirick on Unsplash

Upon returning home, I faced the challenge of extreme heat and humidity—triple-digit temperatures for mid-June, which is quite unusual. Coupled with the cumbersome walking boot, finding time outside has been tricky. I aim to take my outdoor time early in the morning or just before bed to avoid the harsh sun.

Section 2.6: Daily Gratitude Practice

Writing down eight items of gratitude each day has helped me appreciate the little things amidst the chaos of life. Notable moments include: finishing the half-marathon with my adventure buddy, experiencing solitude while traveling in Salt Lake City, witnessing the growth of baby birds, and enjoying the stunning animation in "Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse."

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