Sometimes, the best adventures don’t go according to plan. One hike through the Cathedral Ranges Southern Circuit in October 2017 still stands out as a prime example. What began as a tough challenge, featuring pelting rain and cold with no easy escape, became one of the most meaningful memories for everyone involved.
On a chilly, overcast morning, our group of 20 set out to climb Sugarloaf Peak. As we reached the razorback, the weather turned. Hard rain poured down, visibility dropped, and we still had three hours to go with steep drops on either side. Cold, wet, and exhausted, everyone pushed through, helping one another and staying focused on finishing the hike. I’ve never been more relieved to reach the end with the entire group safely back at their cars.
Driving home, exhausted and tired, I couldn’t help but wonder what we could have done differently, fearing negative feedback. As far as a day out with an adventure group, this one was a disaster! But to my surprise, the reviews came in glowing. People shared stories of resilience, teamwork, and gratitude. “Thank you for the support, I couldn’t have done it without you,” one hiker said. Another wrote, “What a fantastic group on such a dreadful day,” and many were proud of how they handled the adversity.
The lesson? Adventures don’t always go to plan and that’s okay – sometimes it’s even preferable! It’s about perception, willingness to get uncomfortable, and stepping into the hard moments. In fact, it’s often the tough, unexpected experiences in both adventure and life that create the most lasting memories and growth. Think about that!
Embracing the challenge
When we think of happiness, we often imagine things going smoothly, without discomfort. But that’s only a small part of our well-being story. True fulfillment, as research in positive psychology shows, comes from embracing both the highs and the lows. Adventures, mistakes, and difficult experiences offer opportunities to build resilience, adapt, and grow. So why do we shield ourselves and our children from trying, doing, and living?
After a long, stressful week, staying in with Netflix or booking a massage might seem like the easy route to happiness. But choosing to go out, especially when it’s challenging, uncertain, or the weather is less than ideal, offers much greater rewards. Adventures pull us out of our comfort zones, challenging us to confront discomfort, uncertainty, and the unknown, while building connections and meaning.
In positive psychology, this is called eudaimonic well-being—a sense of fulfilment that comes from pursuing meaningful experiences, not just momentary pleasures. Studies show that outdoor activities like hiking don’t just improve physical health, they also enhance mental resilience and social connections, which are key to longevity, health, and happiness.
Why we need misadventures
It’s tempting to think happiness comes from avoiding discomfort. But in reality, it’s often the challenging moments (like that rainy, treacherous hike in the Cathedral Ranges) that foster growth. Positive psychology is about flourishing, not just by seeking joy, but by embracing the full range of human experiences, including the tough ones.
Adventures are hard, but staying on the couch is tougher for long-term happiness. Going into discomfort is scary, but staying still can kill your spirit. Scaling a mountain is tough, but the view from the top wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding without the hard work it took to get there. Similarly, life’s misadventures shape us, creating stronger, more resilient versions of ourselves.
The power of group adventure
Adventures also teach the value of connection. On that rainy Cathedral Ranges hike, it wasn’t just the challenge that made the experience memorable, it was the sense of togetherness and support within the group. Helping each other through adversity deepened bonds and created shared memories that last long after the hike ended.
Research shows that spending time in nature and connecting with others profoundly impacts well-being. Sure, it’s nice to have a beautiful destination or big physical challenge, but it’s the journey, the shared struggles, and triumphs that create lasting happiness. Think about the people in your life you depend on—are they those who’ve been there in times of ease, or those who’ve supported you through hardship?
Misadventures aren’t mistakes—they’re opportunities. Life isn’t perfect, and we shouldn’t want it to be. When things feel tough, shift your perspective. Adventures remind us that life, like hiking, is unpredictable. By embracing both the good and the bad, we set ourselves up for deeper fulfilment and growth. The tough moments, the unexpected challenges, and even the frustrations become part of the story that shapes who we are.
So, next time you’re faced with a tough adventure, remember: it’s not about avoiding discomfort. It’s about embracing it, growing through it, and ultimately flourishing because of it. Adventure teaches us resilience, adaptability, and the kind of happiness that lasts.
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