Why adventure?

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Just think about that for a few minutes. Also the next question: why was it so long ago?

Do you remember, when you were a child, watching ants march in and out of their underground homes, sometimes spending ages, in pure fascination? Do you remember lying on your back, looking at shapes forming in the clouds? Or lying down, looking at the stars? When did you stop doing that, and why did you stop?

When was the last time you had an adventure? A real adventure? One that intentionally left many things open to chance, and wasn’t planned out to the tiniest detail? Does the mere thought of that make you uncomfortable? Remember the saying “Outside of your comfort zone is where the magic happens“?
Well, it’s true. More importantly, it’s entirely up to you to start making the sort of choices that takes you outside your comfort zone.

And this, exactly this, is why you need adventure in your life! We all do.

Adventure means different things to different people, and you have to decide what it means to you. It doesn’t matter if it means solo hiking across the Cairngorms, or camping in your garden. What matters is that you get outside, and experience nature, because it’s good for you. What matters is that you step out of your comfort zone, set yourself a challenge and do something that is (for you) quite out of the ordinary.

Step outside your comfort zone, even if at first only by a little bit. Go on a hike through an area you don’t know. Go for the longest bike ride you’ve ever done. Go cycle a route like Devon Coast To Coast, or the Camel Trail.

See also  Sub 24-hours Overnighter

You will (sooner or later) go off course. Perhaps you may even get a bit lost. That’s OK – trust in your own ability to get back on track. Praise yourself for having had the courage to get into a situation that meant you got lost, and praise yourself again for getting out of it.

The world bombards you with negativity, so take it upon yourself to do something to counter that. Instead of watching the news, rather spend time looking at routes on the Cycle.Travel site, and start planning adventures. Plan your adventure to stay in hotels, B&B’s, with friends or relatives, or camping, but just get out there.
Be relentless in praising and congratulating yourself for every small goal of your adventure.

When you return home, you may be tired, but you will feel invigorated!

 

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