Not too long ago, if you asked me, "Do you think you're an adventurous person?" I would have said no. Forget that I resigned from my job with only $3000 in the bank. Forget that I sold most everything I owned to move half way across the world. And forget that I actually moved half way across the world to a country I had never been to.

To me, adventurous people do those things all the time. They ride elephants in Thailand and move from place to place with only a backpack to call their own. Adventurous people are the true bohemians who live life without much of a plan. They live off the land and camp under the stars and aren't afraid to take risks.

That's just not me. I like having a home base with modern luxuries. And camp...well, I'd rather glamp and know there's a toilet nearby. 

But here's the thing - you and I don't have to go on grand adventures to live an adventurous life. We don't have to visit every country or white water raft or scuba dive in the Maldives. Adventure is a state of mind and as I've thought about my own life and the things that have made it adventurous, I've realized it's the small things that lead to big adventures. Here are eight keys to help you start your own adventure-filled life.

It's not everyday that you can go on an exotic vacation, but you can adventure into your own neighborhood, your city, your state. There's always more to uncover, more to see and do. And these adventures don't have to cost money or a lot of time. It could be as simple as visiting a hole-in-the-wall restaurant or attending open mic night at the cafe. 

And don't let living in a small town be your excuse. I spent many years in such a town, but there was always something going on. Check out flyers at the coffee shop, read the paper, see what's going on right where you are. And if all else fails, start your own thing, whatever that might be. 

“'Curiouser and curiouser!' Cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).”

Be like Alice in Wonderland. See the world with glittering eyes and new senses. What's the story behind the oldest house in your town? Are there really ghosts in the haunted hotel? What does a pickle sno cone taste like? Seek the answers to your questions, even if you don't find them. 

The comfort zone isn't called so for nothing. It's a cozy space, a happy place, and you know it well. There's nothing wrong with a comfort zone. In fact, keeping to a routine is a good way to lower stress and create steady happiness. 

But doing the same old things all the time can also cause negative results: boredom, low productivity, and getting "stuck in a rut" to name a few. 

One of my favorite quotes in the whole wide world comes from Susan Jane Gilman (Kiss My Tiara)

Keeping your mind open and trying new things can lead to a little bit of unease, but that's a good thing! Think about it, when you're comfortable, with no perceived threat, you're more likely to do the bare minimum to get by. Getting outside of your comfort zone boosts your drive, spurs your creativity, and helps you push your boundaries in the future.

Even if you don't like whatever it is that you (gently) pushed yourself to do, you will at least have had the experience, and that's what matters.

Following your passions is one of the greatest adventures of all. You never know where it will lead you. My love for dance led me to performing on stage and I discovered a whole new way to dance through Nia. My love for writing led me to having lunch with Tim O'Brien and taking workshops from Francesca Lia Block. You just never know what can happen when you pursue your dreams. The places you'll visit, the people you'll meet, the things you'll do.

As I said before, I'm a fairly routine kind of person. Spur of the moment happenings just aren't my cuppa tea, and if I'm not already out by 9 p.m., it's unlikely that I'll be out.

But every once in awhile I'll give in. About a month ago my husband and I were invited to a birthday party in the next town over. It was already evening time and I was in that "meh" kinda mood. "We should go. Just for a little while," hubs said. So I said okay and off we went.

So what was supposed to be a quick in and out kind of thing turned into me having a few margaritas, my friends and I giving ourselves cake beards, and dancing all night. It was one of the most fun evenings I've had in a long time.

And it's because I said yes.

Say yes every once in awhile and see what adventure unfolds.

I had a solo adventure once. It was small and took place in my "backyard" (the ocean), but it was scary for me. 

In fact, I've dared myself to do quite a bit since I've lived on this island: riding on a motorbike, zip lining, snorkeling, swimming (more like floating) in an area where I couldn't put my feet down.

These may seem like child's play to some, but to me they were HUGE accomplishments. I dared myself to do them because I can't pass up an experience and I knew that if I did them, I'd feel braver than ever.

Get in touch with your inner warrior and dare yourself to do something scary.

Some adventures call for us to go with the flow. And some adventures call for us to let go of things that might weigh us down.

I had to let go of most of my material things before I moved: precious teacups and fairy figurines, books and craft supplies. I knew it wasn't possible for me to bring it all, so I chose only what was necessary. The trade-off was worth it, of course.

Living an adventurous life means giving up now and then - giving up control, giving up stuff. Life will zig and zag and sometimes it will feel like we've been thrown in a boat without a paddle, but that's part of the experience. 

When you're willing to let go, you're willing to take the journey.

You can always ask the universe for an adventure. I'm a fan of Sark's "Miracle, find me now!" approach. It's as easy as saying out loud to the universe, "Miracle, find me now!" and staying open to the possibilities.

And that's really what living an adventurous life is all about - staying open to the possibilities. 

So tell me darling, what will you do with your one wild and precious life?

Much love xx

Photo Credits:
The Murmuring Cottage // Elizabeth Edgerton via Pinterest

I don't care so much about money and careers and fashion and what other people are doing when I have the ocean and my hair's un-brushed, my face is salty, my bathing suit is my wardrobe.

I don't care so much about those "outside" things when I'm in nature as my wild, free self. Those things aren't priorities and I like the way that feels. 

I like sitting on a rock and letting the ocean roll over my feet. 

I like my hair tangled in the sea breeze.

It makes me want to explore more, more of the good stuff: nature and food, sometimes luxury, sometimes adventure. Discover stories. Live stories. 

This is how you live a magical life - not by careers and money and manifesting the "outside" stuff.

But by digging deep and playing with the world. By rooting and uprooting. By going outside of your comfort zone and exploring. Finding happiness in grand adventures and quiet moments.

It's letting nature teach you and love you, support you and mess you up. 

It's letting your hair go un-brushed and your nail polish chip.

A pink champagne sunset
guides the fishermen home

The ocean at dusk is pale blue
and smooth as a lake

Two silhouettes bring in their nets 
and paddle to the craggy shore

Yellow and pink hibiscus
some tired from the sun
some fully open to the moon

Lightning behind parched mountains
and thunder rolling across waves

A summer storm on an island
reminds me of moments in the desert
and how I ached for rain-soaked gardens

The heat sticks to me

The rain pauses 
on the other side of the island

Seven things that have me smiling :)

Hubs and I are house sitting for some dear friends who are on holiday in England. Although I miss them, I am thoroughly enjoying their swimming pool and beach side home! I swim in the pool everyday and walk the dogs on the beach morning and evening. It's nice being able to sit on the rocks and dip my feet into the ocean any time of day. I've also collected shells, marble slabs, colorful stones, and blue, green, and white sea glass.