LYONS - Is anyone else frustrated with life, I sigh, as I come to the end of nearly seven weeks of dealing with injuries and illnesses. I tried everything in order to heal, to no avail. My frustration turned to feelings of fury with every failure.

I became extremely defeated and depleted—more emotionally and spiritually than anything else. I prayed and I cried. And during week six, I thought I lost all hope. Yet the optimist inside kept nudging me, reminding me that giving up is never an option.

Life continued through pain and misery. How else were the bills going to get paid? I also managed to get out to inhale the beauty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

One day, while exploring the town of Lyons, I discovered the Lyons Memorial Labyrinth. 

The area was nearly destroyed during the flood of 2013, but, thanks to the community it continues to thrive and receives many visits from both locals and tourists.

Turn right just after entering the trail that leads to Bohn Park. The labyrinth is by the creek. The labyrinth was built of river rocks on the one-year anniversary of the flood by someone known as The Gutter Artist, who, along with other visitors, has been adding stones to the labyrinth ever since. 

It’s a spectacular place to sit and reflect, which is exactly what I did after wandering the labyrinth during the hour I was there. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay longer, as sickness set in and I needed to return home.

More frustration. Upon my return, I found a way to see my situation from a new perspective. And just as quickly as I decided to change my point of view, an epiphany struck:

Dealing with this scary experience made me realize that though I love everything I do, there’s still something missing. Something that, as cheesy as it sounds, completes me. So, I’m off to another adventure in the pursuit of happiness.

I even decided to celebrate this holiday season like I haven’t since I lost my mother 17 years ago. As I began putting up my holiday tree, my frustration turned to nostalgia. I found endless reasons to feel grateful, including for you, my dear readers. I want you to know that I wouldn’t love writing this column as much as I do, were it not for you.

I hope 2025 is greater than 2024. I also hope you stay connected with me through The Mountain-Ear. Above all else, I hope you find time to discover Colorado and the remarkable place we call home, which holds places like the Lyons Memorial Labyrinth.

You’ll have to visit the labyrinth and trail to experience the beauty of this sacred place. Coming from the Peak to Peak Highway, head toward Lyons on Highway 7. The Lyons Memorial Labyrinth can be found on the right side of the highway, at the trailhead of the South St. Vrain Creek.