Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? -Mary Oliver
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.
start where you are
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.
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.
be curious
“'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.
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.
try something new
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)
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)
The further you get out of your comfort zone, the bigger it gets.
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.
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.
follow your passions
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.
say yes
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.
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.
dare yourself
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.
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.
be willing to let go
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.
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.
ask the universe
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
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
