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Austin Balser

@abalzzzz

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Just trying to navigate my way through a world that seems to value 40 hours at a desk over a week spent in the woods.

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Finally got to this bucket list item. Forgotten ridge climb in the Lost Sierra was a half day gem. The lake and campsite at the trailhead was absolutely gorgeous.

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in October I found myself in the middle of the desert, sitting in a circle around where a fire should be. With the lack of flame to stare at, we instead look at one another and asked each other questions.

“What is the best thing going for you in your life?” was passed around. each of us shifting the question in our hands and passing it to the next. i couldn’t help it as tears welled in my eyes as i pulled on the words to share.

this year was filled with upheaval, being brave/doing it scared, and leaning into the unknown. i chose to trust a chance to say yes to something i’ve wanted for years and accepted the discomfort of trying something new. of course there have been high highs and low lows.

watching the desert then from red, to rose, to blue i found my response—“the best thing in my life right now are my friends. they love me so well. even when i’m not sure how to love myself, i’m reminded of love by and through them.”

in my lowest, i forget how lovable and deserving of that love i am. at my best, i pour out that love not only to myself but to the people in my garden and see such abundance.

maybe 2026 will be the same as this past year. i hope not but maybe, just maybe it will still be full and chaotic but i’ll be better at knowing when to slow down, how to keep my calendar open/my time unbooked, and leave room for tenderness. i’ll reconnect with my body more instead of living in my head because having feelings and not being numb is absolutely necessary going into the new year.

i can’t not say it—our world is fucked and we need each other. I’m grateful for the love in my life and horrified by the state of our country. I’m not sure what else to say but keep coming back to this: stay with us. stay with us.

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Big ups, big downs. 2025 was the year I settled into my new house. The year I adopted my first dog, a 9-week-old puppy who turned my life upside down. The year I ran my first half marathon. The year I was diagnosed with EDS and POTS, and designated as permanently disabled. The year my friends and family rallied around me when I needed them most. The year I taught my first multi-day workshop. The year my body decided we were going to slow wayyyyy down. The year I had my first solo exhibition in my new home, Northern Nevada. The year I met new friends & got closer with the old. Hoping to heal, rest, grow, and create in 2026. ✨

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The bittersweet dregs of summer 🥲

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July was for grounding & August is started off that way too: water pops, berry picking, blind contour drawings, grieving, healing, cutting all my hair off, washing wool, gardening, and learning how to live with POTS 🫐

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“This is the true story… of strangers, all diagnosed young… who came together to live in a house for a week, push our limits, and have the time of our lives.”

We laughed, we cried, we whitewater rafted, and we healed—together.

Montana gave us mountains, rivers, and connection. But what we left with was even bigger: community, courage, and a reminder that we’re not alone.

#strongaftercancer #firstdescents #cancersurvivor #youngadultcancer #breastcancer #cancercommunity #montanaadventures #adventuretherapy #healingjourney #whitewaterrafting #resilience #cancerthriver #builtdifferent #realworldcanceredition #nevergiveup #livinglife

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Wrapping up an unforgettable week with First Descents.

We were a group of young adult cancer survivors, brought together by a disease no one wants—but we turned it into something powerful and uplifting. We supported each other, worked through challenges both seen and unseen, and pushed our bodies in kayaks, embracing adventure and courage in equal measure.

This week reminded me that even in the aftermath of cancer, there’s room for joy, connection, and new strength. Feeling grateful for this community and the memories we created together.

#strongaftercancer #firstdescents #cancersurvivor #youngadultcancer #cancercommunity #cancerwarrior #kayakingadventures #adventuretherapy #healingjourney #breastcancer #resilience #nevergiveup #livinglife #cancerthriver #findyouroutdoors

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First time to Kirkwood. Great snow. Beautiful skies. Lots of uncontrolled hooting/hollering. #dathotchocolatedough

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It’s time for another Member Highlight! Everyone meet Austin! 🤩👏

Austin has been a member at Mesa Rim for about 3 years ever since he moved to Reno. He is an avid climber who is constantly taking on new projects and challenges, both indoor and outdoor. Originally, Austin began climbing at Mesa because he was interested in ropes and Yoga, but he stayed for the community. He says that the staff, instructors and climbers are all very welcoming, and if he doesn’t have a partner on a given day, he will find someone on the floor to climb with.

For Austin, climbing is moving meditation. He explains, “Every climb is a puzzle you have to solve, and it requires focus, thoughtfulness, resolve, and balanced movement… other distractions take a back seat, if only for a few minutes.” Austin continued to express how climbing is a fun way to challenge yourself and grow. He states, “There’s only so much fulfillment you can get out of excel sheets at work. Getting to the top of a route though, that’s provided a sense of accomplishment. If you can accomplish useless but fun physical tasks, maybe you can find the motivation to accomplish useless not-so-fun tasks, like editing the same PowerPoint deck for the 5th time.”

We are honored to be a part of your sense of accomplishment and motivation, Austin! And we are stoked to have you as a member. Keep sending as we cheer you on! 💪❤️

GO CLIMB 😤
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#goclimb #member #reno #mesarim #community

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ANIMALLLLLLLLLL 👹 DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM 🥁

Thank you to the folks who helped make my first Halloween in my house special 🖤

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Trying new things, having fun, making friends 🧗🌈 @abalzzzz #lezzclimb #bouldering #mesarimreno

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When your backpack gets stuck coming off the chair lift, Superman vibes #jerry

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