Say Yes to Adventure!

Action

What have you done lately that moved you, made you laugh out loud, reveling in complete joy and happiness? When was the last time you thought of doing something and actually seized the moment and did it? If you answered ‘today’, then congratulations there is probably no need to read any further. But if you are like the most of us, it’s probably been a while since you’ve experienced something outside of the mundane routine of your life. Can you even recall when the last time you were spontaneous or added some adventure into your life?

When I speak of adventure, I don’t necessarily expect you to take a ten day backpack trip deep into the rainforest, or take up skydiving. You can. But what I am talking about is finding those small, simple moments of excitement, spontaneity, and adventure that you can add right now to shake up your life. These moments will be different for everyone, but once you start adding them you will create a forward momentum that will be the catalyst for change.

Sitting in my truck today I watched a young girl in the vehicle next to me spring out into the rain shower and start to dance. I watched with amazement as she twirled and danced in her school uniform completely wrapped up in the sheer joy and spontaneity of the moment. Kids are great for this. They think of doing something and they do it! Then I witnessed her dad jump out and join her. Together they danced in the downpour, smiling and laughing.

We are creatures of habit. Our brains enjoy the status quo and find it comforting to stay within the confines of our routines. While we dream of adventure and change, when presented with the opportunity we will often feel anxiety and create obstacles to avoid participating.

I doubt that the father and daughter dancing in the rain were worrying if they had the perfect moves or what others were thinking of their magical rain dance. They were fearless. As adults, our fears and our need for perfection keep us from acting on our great ideas and sadly we lose precious opportunities for potential fun and adventure.

In her book, “Stop Saying You’re Fine”, Mel Robbins offers a five seconds rule. The rule is you have five seconds from the moment you have a thought to do something to when you take action. Hesitate and you will watch the opportunity melt away as the thoughts and fears set it and kill the moment.

So the next time you have an idea or an opportunity to add some adventure into your life, take action. Don’t say ‘yes, but’. Just say “YES!” and watch how the adventure and magic return to your life.

Here are a few ideas to put adventure back into your life.

  • Make space in your life for adventure by simplifying your life and slowing down.
  • Take a new route to work. This simple action of unlocking your routine can change your mindset and even add a little excitement to your day.
  •  Brush your teeth with the opposite hand, or get dressed with your eyes closed. This will not only stimulate the growth of new brain cells but also heightens your awareness of the world around you.
  • Go to the closest planetarium and wish on some stars.
  • Walk or dance in the rain without an umbrella.
  • Toast marshmallows in the fireplace.
  • Read a book completely different from your typical selection. Only read fiction? Why not try an adventure story.
  • Try a new fitness workout. If you typically go for a run, swap out one workout for a yoga or  Zumba class.
  • Stay in your pajamas all day and watch cartoons and make buttery popcorn for breakfast.
  • Have an indoor picnic with exotic foods you have never eaten before.
  • Get a box of coloured chalk and draw on the sidewalk.
  • Run through sprinklers or make angels in the snow.
  • Visit your local candy store and spend a few dollars on a big bag of sweets.
  • Ride your bike through every puddle you can find.
  • Stand on the beach on a windy day and scream.
  • Plan an adventure.

Even if you can’t afford to take a trip now, start researching flights, rent a travel video, get books about your destination from the library. Plant the seed for your trip and you’ll be amazed at how things happen. Action creates movement, and movement creates and builds excitement. Isn’t it time you added a little adventure and fun to your life?

With love + light,