It is a mistake to think of adventures in terms of far off places and extreme activities, in terms of long plane rides and of thousands of dollars. While those kinds of excursions are inspiring and exciting to think about, I think they can also give us a mental block when it comes to adventure. They can make us feel like all of the good adventures are out of reach.
These Little Adventures Add Up to a Full Life
This blog is nearing its first anniversary. When I decided to start writing again, it was because I wanted to be more motivated to get outside, try new things, and be spontaneous. To say yes more often and to push myself into those uncomfortable places in life where growth happens.
Under those terms, I think it has been a success. By the numbers, there were 13 nights of camping. There were 5 days of snowboarding. 48 bicycle rides to work. 13 couchsurfers hosted. 2 couches surfed. And a partridge in a pear tree. Of course, there were countless other little adventures along the way.
One of the lessons I am learning is that these little adventures add up to a full life. Walking to a new coffee shop, cross country skiing in the park down the street, or laughing over a pint with a stranger are the things that make each trip around the sun memorable. It doesn’t matter if these events happen across the globe, down the street, or in your living room.
150 Days Outside Became 365 Days of Learning to Enjoy Life
At the beginning of 2017, my wife Tiffany and I set a goal of spending 150 days outside. We didn’t really define how a day outside would be measured or what kinds of activities would or wouldn’t count towards the total.
We lost count in the 40s. I think it was April. Maybe May. Somewhere along the way, the counting turned into something simpler. The big quest faded into a genuine enjoyment of getting out as often as possible.
I think that was probably the point all along. And, if it wasn’t, I like where we ended up anyways.
The Adventure is Here. Find it.
Wherever you are right now, there is an adventure to be had. If you drew a five kilometer radius around your house, or where you work, or anywhere else you spend a lot of time, I’d be willing to bet you could find something that would make you smile. Make your heart beat a little faster. Spark a creative idea. Pique your curiosity. Bring a dream to life.
It’s all right there around you, because it is already within you, and has been all along. A few steps here, an incredible new view there, a belly laugh and a cold pint and a warm hug to round it off. Before you know it your energy rises, a twinkle in your eye grows, and something gloriously unexpected happens.
Cheers to 2018. Cheers to another year of adventure.
