From Dallas to Denver
Written by Shana Callirgos
When asked why I moved to Denver I usually respond with the average 'I just wanted a change' or 'the nature' which are both true.
Then, one night I was chatting with an old friend from Dallas, who asked me what makes me so happy about Denver. As I responded, I found myself beaming through the phone.
I had visited Denver in the past and witnessed several friends move out here who were seeking a different life for themselves. As a spiritual individual, I found myself feeling drawn to the level of depth I noticed in people in Denver. Although I could sense that the lifestyle would be different, I didn't truly know what that would look like until I moved.
I have been living in Denver now for a full 9 months. I can happily say that I’ve changed as a person, and experience plenty of nature in my life. But, in this article, it is interesting for me to take a step back and truly analyse the differences between the cities of Dallas and Denver, two places that I called home.
A significant difference I’ve noticed is people’s physical activity levels. In Dallas, I tried to be as physically active as possible, attended workout classes and walking or running around the city. I would say I was successful in my pursuit, however wellness in Dallas seemed to have somewhat of a classist vibe.
Sometimes, I found myself going to classes worried that my workout set didn’t match, or I would bring my phone to my mat just so I can snap a cute picture. These habits were clearly shared among the majority.
“I would often find myself surrounded by matching workout sets, dodging mirror pictures and watching curiously as someone tried to reply to a text while in the down-dog position.”
On a more financial level, you must be able to afford workout classes or a gym membership – I'm lucky that I could. Newer and pricier gyms opened at an alarming rate around the city when I lived there, and even as an insider, I thought to myself – who is this catering too? I sensed a level of accessibility, or lack thereof, with wellness in Dallas.
One aspect of this accessibility was financial, while another was geographic. Of course, a fancy gym is not necessary to exercise. During my time in Dallas, I moved around the metro-plex to three different neighborhoods. When looking for a new place to live, I always prioritised being next to a park, which was a non-negotiable. I loved spending time outside and moving my body; I knew being next to a park made physical activity much more accessible for me.
However, not many parks in Dallas are suited to exercise. There is minimal grass space, cracks on the sidewalk and difficult parking. I did everything I could to make wellness accessible to me in my environment, but it always felt that I was looking for something more, or being served a wellness 'product', that didn't quite feel right or authentic.
After my move to Denver, I visited Dallas for the weekend. During the trip, I felt so ungrounded that I needed to lie outside. I went to a park I used to frequent that’s in the middle of the city. I found myself completely alone there, at 5pm on a Friday, which would never happen in Denver. It saddened me to witness a beautiful day at a beautiful park, and be the only one out there to enjoy it.
The parks in Denver look like a field day, every day. During my first few months in the city, I actually found it jarring quite how many people were outside in public spaces. Everyone around me was playing volleyball, running, laying, slacklining or playing some outdoor game that I had never heard of. Seeing the parks so filled is one of my favorite things about living in Denver.
I find it extremely empowering to witness so many people nourishing themselves. Every single person out there decides to take time out of their day to move their body or spend time outside, or both. I try to move my body or spend time outside every day, so seeing that similarity alone made me feel aligned, and that my move was the right decision.
Now, I realize one big factor in this may be the weather. Dallas is humid and reaches seriously uncomfortable, and even dangerous, temperatures in the summer. Denver is usually dry, and has far more comfortable temperatures.
Before my move, there would be days I couldn’t even go outside because of how hot it was, when even going to the car was treacherous. In Denver, I spend entire days outside because, how could I not?
Once I do choose to go outside, the options are endless. There are about 5 large parks in the city of Denver. Each with tracks perfect for walking and so much grass space you would think there is a festival going on. And if you are up for a drive, oh boy. Spectacular mountains and creeks are found 20 minutes away. In contrast, if you drive 20 minutes anywhere in Dallas, you just reach another suburb. The accessibility to nature is vastly different and I did not realise how important that is.
“When I consider how much value there is in nature alone, I recognise the impact that has on consumerism. There is so much free enjoyment to be found in Denver.”
During my 9 months in Denver, I have connected with nature on a deeper level than my 12 years in Dallas. I am more grounded, I move slower, I appreciate nature more. This was something I found myself chasing in Dallas.
Overall, the way people spend their time and live their lives seems to be drastically different between the two cities. Take weekends for example. Weekends in Dallas looked like grabbing lunches/brunches/drinks out, hanging out at someone’s place, and there could be a park day in there if the weather allowed. Weekends in Denver look like hitting a yoga class that’s booked to capacity, hikes, swimming in creeks, and, if it’s the season, skiing or snowboarding.
I think it is important to point out the collective interests, what the majority does, and the impact that has. Being surrounded by the culture of a city is extremely influential. I find myself so grateful for the impact Denver has had on me. The encouragement to try new hobbies like rock climbing or skiing, to go hike a mountain, or join a sports league. It seems that the majority of people in Denver live a life of adventure and supporting their wellbeing.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Dallas and see it for the value it carries for things such as connection, diversity and innovation. I am not here to say either one place is better than the other, rather acknowledge the impact the community of Denver has had on me, before and after my move.