...
Colorado Saram logo with mountain icon and yellow, red, and blue colors representing Colorado's flag, symbolizing the blend of Colorado lifestyle and international adventure travel.Colorado Saram logo with mountain icon and yellow, red, and blue colors representing Colorado's flag, symbolizing the blend of Colorado lifestyle and international adventure travel.
Colorado Saram logo with mountain icon and yellow, red, and blue colors representing Colorado's flag, symbolizing the blend of Colorado lifestyle and international adventure travel.Colorado Saram logo with mountain icon and yellow, red, and blue colors representing Colorado's flag, symbolizing the blend of Colorado lifestyle and international adventure travel.

Alcohol Free Life & Travel

Real Stories, Sober Adventures & Travel Without the Hangover

Days Since an Accident (Last Drink)

💬 Stories & Reflections

Alcohol-Free Life & TravelFeatured

Embracing Sobriety: Reflections on My First Year Completely Alcohol-Free

By | Jun 30, 2024 | 28 min read

As I celebrate my first full year without alcohol, I look back on the journey and reflect on all the positive changes its absence has brought to my life.

Without minimizing its power, the hold alcohol had on my life feels released. I have no desire to go back to it.

Although it may always be lurking over my shoulder, I rarely even think about it anymore.

I don’t hold any grudges towards it; it gave me some of the best memories of my life. However, it became unsustainable.

They say the opposite of love isn’t hate; it’s indifference. And that’s where I choose to place alcohol for as long as I can.

I just don’t need it anymore.

Read More

Man poses in front of a directional sign at the top of Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch in Gangwon Province, South Korea
Colorado Saram and dog (Winnie) at Conan Beach, Jeju Island - South Korea.

John Buckley

I grew up in Vail, Colorado — home to some of the best skiing in the U.S. — but I’ve spent the past 15+ years living and working in South Korea as an English teacher and outdoor adventurer.

From skiing deep powder in Japan to trekking in the Himalayas and hiking in Korea, I’ve explored much of Asia with a backpack, a plan, and an open mind.

Through Colorado Saram, I share travel guides, gear tips, and firsthand advice to help you plan unforgettable outdoor adventures across Asia and beyond.

👉 Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or join the free Facebook group for outdoor travel tips, stories, and inspiration.

Read more about my journey →

Once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through or how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.

Once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through or how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm's all about.

Haruki Murakami – Kafka on the Shore