My Motivation
“Remember your why, you’ll find your way.”
Never in my life have I met someone so inspiring as my brother, Mike Kehl, and I didn’t even realize it until he was gone. On January 6th, 2020 I lost my oldest brother to suicide. Since then, he is my reason every day to keep going. He was able to accomplish so much in his lifetime and I strive to even come close to the things he was able to do. The last couple of months that he was here, we had “accountability meetings” on Fridays at Old Chicago. We would discuss our weekly/monthly/yearly goals and the steps to achieve them. We would break each step down into something that was accommodating to our busy schedules and lifestyles so that looking at the long term goal didn’t seem so overwhelming. Then throughout the week, we would reach out to make sure we were both following the weekly goal of ours. I would give anything to get that back. In his journal, he wrote quotes and I catch myself reading them every so often, feeling so lost, wondering what he would be telling me if he was sitting across from me. Out of everything he wrote, the one that stands out most to me is “Remember your why, you’ll find your way.” I can vividly hear his voice as I read it. I wish he was here physically, but I know he is watching from above, reminding me to remember my why. Cheers to you Mikey, thank you for being my motivation.
Twenty Six Days on the Road
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” - Jack Canfield
Have you ever wanted to pack a bag and hit the road? That’s what my brother and I did for twenty six days. It took a lot of courage from me to be able to leave my life at home for that long. Overall, twenty six days went lightning fast, yet felt endless. Everyday was a new place to see, new people to meet, new hikes to try, new memories to make. This was a once in a lifetime trip and it was EPIC. I can’t even begin to describe the beauty all around us or the places we were in. Photos do not do it justice, but I did try my best to capture my favorite parts to share with everyone. I hope to inspire you to jump past your fear and do something out of the ordinary, because it could change your life for the better.
The Journey
The journey my brother planned for us started in Salt Lake, then we went into California and explored waterfalls and some of the worlds tallest trees in Tahoe, Arcata, and Redwoods. From there, we made our journey up the Oregon Coast, stopping along some of the most beautiful small towns, going into small stores to support local businesses. From Oregon, we went in from Astoria into Washington, driving through beautiful green forests to get to Forks. At that point, we were the farthest from home. I was definitely getting homesick, but also so happy to see what was next. Being far from home for so long allowed me to feel more appreciative for what I have waiting for me when I got back. I wished everyone at home got to see what we saw. To continue the journey, we got to explore one of the quietest places on Earth, the Hoh Rainforest. After that, we went to Seattle to visit family who we rarely get to see, which was such a great time. Our last day visiting family, we drove through Mount Baker and Lake Diablo, and headed through the Northern Cascades to Priest Lake, Idaho to see my brothers best friend. We made some of the best memories that night and did nothing but laugh and smile. When we got to Montana, we were both so sad, knowing that the trip was almost over and from that point we were headed in the direction of home. But we were bound to experience even more, which led us to Glacier National Park on a 13 mile hike, running into a mom grizzly and her 3 cubs. Something I will never forget and I am so thankful I got to experience that with my brother.
The Journey
Yellowstone was next up on our trip after Glacier, thankfully we were still able to get in the park with a slight detour and change of plans. From the recent flooding, the rivers were high, falls were raging, and everything was bright green. We got to explore most of the park the first day and after all the driving, we were able to get a beautiful lodge and relax. We woke up early that morning in Yellowstone to catch the sunrise and hopefully see wildlife, our goal was wolves, but unfortunately, they are very rare to find and we were unlucky. Even though we didn’t see wolves, we got to be apart of a bison herd on the side of the road and enjoyed watching as they slowly made their way into the fields. As we left Yellowstone, we were both not only so sad we were on the last two days of the trip, but we were exhausted. I was looking forward to the last two days the most, as it is my Heaven on Earth, the Grand Tetons. We always had the best luck with wildlife off the roads through the Tetons, but for some reason we didn’t see much but the amazing views the park has to offer. Which was completely okay with me. We probably drove the park 4-5 times back and forth and stopped at every view point multiple times, neither of us felt up to hikes as the temps were close to 100 degrees, but looking back, both of us regret not doing more hikes there. As I look back, this adventure was eye opening and life changing for me. I have seen things not many people get to see in their lifetime, or even try to see. We are all so stuck in a daily routine of following the system as humans, that I am lucky I have been able to get out of that and actually pursue chasing my dreams. Not many people would submit a time off request for 26 days to go explore the Northwest with their sibling. Let me tell you, it was worth every second. Don’t be afraid to do something you’ve always wanted to do.
Heaven On Earth
“This is the reason I take photos. For that feeling. The feeling that lights you up, inspires you, and fills you with nothing but love. I hope I can share that with everyone who comes across my photography and I hope that each and everyone of you reading this can find your Heaven on Earth.”
Have you ever had that feeling of pure love and happiness?
Similar to the first time you heard your most favorite song live, wrote your best story, performed your best act, or even met your person. The Grand Tetons is that place for me. As you come around the curve to the entrance of the park, in view of the Tetons, an overwhelming wave of happiness overcomes you.
When I saw that first view, I wanted to cry, yet I couldn’t stop smiling. I was in awe at what was in front of me. In that moment, I had never felt more grateful for life. I cherished every person I had ever met, every experience I had gone through, all the lessons I had been taught. I embraced my future with so much love, knowing that whatever happens is meant to be and that I will be alright. This feeling comes every single time I visit. Since 2018, I have been five times and the love is stronger each time I go.
I leave my Heaven on Earth reenergized, back to my true self and determined. My photos of the Tetons help remind me daily to keep my head up and in the right direction. This is why I take photos. For that feeling. The feeling that lights you up, inspires you, and fills you with nothing but love. I hope I can share that with everyone who comes across my photography and I hope that each and everyone of you reading this can find your Heaven on Earth.