Winter’s Over:Let’s Roll

Veteran Finds Peace on the High Ground

Ogden

ELEVATION faith community recreation

Words of Wis-dom to Push You Through

Higher GroundBy Omar Saavedra

On the battlefield, high ground is considered key

terrain. Key terrain provides a critical advantage over an ad-versary. I currently and proudly serve in the Utah Army Nation-al Guard. Back in 2010, I served a tour in Iraq with some of America’s finest. It was definite-

ly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. However, I found coming home more hard. Don’t get me wrong. I love being at home with my family. Especially with my wife. But I had a difficult time adjusting. I had dificult time relating with everyone. I noticed that I had a lot more time to think about the chaotic world that I came from, but I really didn’t know how to deal with it. In Iraq I was constantly on

the go. But now I wasn’t. I felt like I was losing it. My LDS faith essentially teaches the concept standing in holy places or standing on a spiritual high ground. This is done by going the tem-ple for spiritual nour-ishment. In the scriptures, when the ancient prophets needed to commune with God, they went to the moun-tains. God’s natural temples. So that’s what I did, so to speak. Although, any-one could essentially commune with God in many ways, I chose to what those wise men had done: hike a mountain. I needed to get away from the noise of life. I needed to be somewhere where I can get needed exercise and be inspired by nature’s

beauty. The University of Indiana did a study and found that “out-door activities provided a calm-ing environment for recovering

a trail that is safe and appropri-ate. It can also add a measure of confidence and a sweet feel-ing satisfaction when you push through make it to the end. This was not an alterna-tive to seeking professinal help. Along with counseling, I used hiking as another arrow in my quiver to battle the depression and anxiety I was feeling.

Taking the higher ground definitely has helped me over-come my obstacles. I’m happi-er and people seem to find me more pleasant to be around. I take my family with me. Inter-estingly enough I feel like we can converse more openly. I think for my next obstacle I’ll give at least a half-marathon a try. Why not?

soldiers.” 1 I strongly believe that this is applicable for any-one. Luckily for me, I was living in Ogden where hiking trails are incredibly plentiful and easily accessible. I soon found myself on the right track towards the peace I desperately needed. I enjoyed it so much that I even took pictures of the beauty that I saw once again. The urge to share what I saw overwhelm-ing.1 http://newsinfo.iu.edu/tips/page/normal/22439.html

I became a YMCA youth leader and evntually took in-ner-city kids to visit Ogden’s labyrinth-like trails. I figured I wasn’t the only one in need of inspiration. The reception from those kids were really positive. I want-ed to temporarily take them away from their world and in-troduce them to an environ-ment that not only was inspir-ing but also positively. Hiking can be difficult. It can also be fulfilling when doing

Winter’s Over: Let’s Roll! Written and Photographed by Omar Saavedra

Winter is finally gone! It’s time to get out and enjoy the sun-shine. Ogden, Utah has many events to keep its residents and visitors active and social. One of its many traditions is hosting the annual Ogden Historic 25th Street Car Show. Over the years, car enthu-siasts from all over the state and beyond have come to show off their classic cars. It’s a great ex-

perience to meet all sorts of peo-ple, see interesting vehicles, and check out the local merchants. Traditionally it’s held on the first Friday of June. This year it will be held on June 6 and start at 3 pm. And of course, it will be held on 25th Street between Wall Ave and Washington Blvd. Over 300 classic vehicles will be on display. Some are

even for sale. There are always rare but recognizeable vehicles like a DeLorean. If cars aren’t you’re thing, then maybe motorcycles will suit you. There you’ll find ex-

tensive collection of them, as well. It’s a fun filled event for everyone. So come enjoy one of Ogden’s traditional treasures.

Words of Wisdom

The man who has no imagi-nation has no

wings.-Muhammad Ali

Ride Clean. Ride UTA.

If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely aqcuire the ca-pacity to do it even if I may not

have it at the beginning. -Mahatma Ghandi