‘Life is a either great adventure or nothing’ – Helen Keller
Go white water rafting on the Colorado River, climb Everest, bungee jump from the top of the Victoria Falls, go on safari in East Africa or take a parachute jump over the Namib Desert. These are the pursuits of the adventurous soul. In fact we refer to the people that undertake these activities not only as adventurous but brave, fearless, risk takers or thrill seekers and we imagine them having great confidence, motivation and strength.
Does the idea of these pursuits excite you or like me does the very thought of any one of them slightly terrify you? I am not an adventurous person by nature, rather I prefer to play it safe, keeping my feet firmly on the ground and being able to see the road ahead at all times.
When I think of such adventures I get a little uncomfortable. I feel stretched and my heartbeat increases a little. I have an inner attraction and curiosity for all of these pursuits, but I will not contemplate them any further than imagining what it must be like to be the type of person that does undertake them. I admire and envy their bravery and I wonder “could I, someday, maybe?” Then I quickly bring myself back to the safety of my here and now, comfortable in the knowledge that I won’t be jumping out of a plane anytime soon.
The reality, which we so often fail to see, is that living an adventurous life is a lot closer to us than we might realise. It is all around us, right in front of our very eyes. Unfortunately, most people go about their lives with their eyes wide shut and never see it. Anytime you open your mind to change or step outside of your comfort zone you are setting out on your own new daring adventure. Anytime you stretch yourself and move into a position that gets your heart racing and your palms a little sweaty is the beginning of your life’s next big experience.
How will you know? Your body will tell you so. The stretch that you feel is the reach for that change that you seek. Your heart is racing faster to remind you that you that your blood is pumping harder to carry more oxygen around your body. This is to support you to step into your new you.
So what are these great adventures in our lives, what do they look like and where will they take you? The challenge is everywhere and the destination has no limits;
- Get to know your values and start to live by them.
- Know who you are today and start moving to become the person you want to be tomorrow.
- Identify what is holding you back, what old beliefs are limiting your progress.
- Ask the question that is on your lips but you are too afraid to say out loud.
- Reassure someone close that you love them.
- Become the person that you aspire to be
- Be a better husband/wife/father/mother/son or daughter.
- Get to know your parents / siblings /children again and again
- Volunteer in your community and give your time to someone that needs it.
- Move your thoughts and actions towards the career you really want
- Have more fun!
- Appreciate all that you have today and live contentedly.
- Visualise your goals, make a plan and TAKE THE FIRST STEP.
With every adventure and new experience there will be twists and turns in the road. You may not reach the summit on your first attempt or even the second. What is important is the journey that you take and the progress you make. At every junction there are rich experiences and opportunities to learn from. Sometimes you will go off course and new paths appear. Recognise and celebrate your success along the way and flag your milestones.
Be brave and fearless in your life and gain confidence and strength from living adventurously every day. Shouldn’t life be our favourite adventure?
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