Everyone has their own idea of what adventure is. For me, it’s stepping into nature with a tingle of nerves and excitement of not knowing EXACTLY what I’m going to see, what’s going to happen or how I’m going to feel.
After an adventure, I feel exhilarated…like I’ve hit reset and found a new appreciation of life and the things around me. The spark is back, something has been re-ignited. This surge of endorphins becomes addictive and you start seeking it out. But why do so many people still find it difficult to say ‘Yes’ to adventure?
Why do people feel apprehensive?
Going back to my definition of adventure; ‘Not knowing how I’m going to feel’ is probably one of the most common roadblocks when it comes to saying ‘yes’.
When it comes to our adventures, whether it be day hikes or bigger trips, the fears and doubts are almost always the same:
What if Im the un-fittest person there?
What if they are all crazy hiking fanatics and Im not?
What if im the only person who doesn’t know anyone?
What if I NEED TO PEE AND THERE’S NO TOILETS AROUND?? (you are not the first nor the last to worry about this)
There’s so much internal dialogue going on when you think about doing something for the first time, often it gets exhausting so we do the thing where we just make an excuse, tell ourselves we’ll wait for ‘the right time’ and that’s it. Why? Because our brain is wired to keep us safe, not happy. It releases chemicals which make us uncomfortable, commonly felt as fear and doubt. However, if you make a conscious effort to regularly step out of this comfort zone and get comfortable with being uncomfortable- that’s where happiness lives.
How Can I Start to Live With Adventure?
Keep it simple
Adventure doesn’t have to be rock climbing, mountain bike riding or white water rafting. It can be something as simple as going for a walk, changing up your routine, getting back to nature, giving yourself a time out! Doing one new thing, no matter how small, per day. As long as it sparks excitement or a tingle or nerves, that’s your body reawakening and your senses tingling ready to soak in the experience.
Your Challenge
I challenge you to add adventure to your week! It might be taking a walk somewhere you haven’t been before, or explore new trails in your area, it might even be a jog around the block or up to the street sign. The power of adventure is huge once you open your mind and really connect with it. Tell your brain you are ready to go from ‘safe’ to ‘happy’ and step into the journey!
Want to start with a day walk? Come with us- let’s go explore together.
