I've always belived there's a difference between surviving and really, truly living. As with most people, some days, weeks, even months are spent just trying to survive, make it through the day. Then there are those other moments when you're living.

I've tried to build myself a life that isn't just simply waking up every day and getting through, but a life I love. I'm always thankful for this world I live in, but like everyone else, some days it simply comes down to surviving.

Jacob and I headed out last week in search of cutthroat, the obnoxious amount of brook trout we were catching was starting to get a bit ridiculous. After all, we're in Colorado, it's time to get after some fish we don't have at home. As always, every pool produced a fish, but they were still just those danged ole' brook trout. In a silly way, we were simply "surviving" our Colorado fishing experience. Finally, in a deep pool, I caught a cutthroat. I was truly the happiest I've been all year, seeing those spots and bright orange throat. The day continued on, filled with all the cutthroat we could handle and a few brook trout mixed in, just to keep us humble. 

These scattering moments in a high mountain stream, surrounded by wildflowers I'd never seen before, and little cutthroat in my hand, changed my mentality from surviving to living.

I'm sure you've all heard the term 'fake it 'til you make it,' but I disagree with that. Don't just fake your happiness, create it. Find a mountain to climb, discover a new stream, look for the beauty all around you. Hell, even be happy with those old, familiar brook trout.