Living Without Borders

Staying Open to Adventure

As a kid I can’t tell you how many books I read that had the word “adventure” in the title.  All the best literary heroes were on some kind of adventure.  Their lives were exciting and their journeys took us to far-off places or breathtaking experiences.  I still love books and movies that have some sense of adventure.  There’s a reason why Indiana Jones, Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter are among the most popular protagonists with readers of all ages. 

Health experts tell us that a healthy sense of adventure is not only good for us, but essential to our well-being.  According to sources on the subject, adventure allows us to step out of our comfort zones, explore new places, and experience new things.  It also teaches us about ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, and pushes us to expand our capabilities.

Photo credit: CCF Bank

Some of us have firmer boundaries as to how far we want our adventures to take us.  Some thrill-seekers jump out of planes, climb the highest mountains or hang-glide off of cliffs.  In my all-too-rapidly-advancing age, there are some things I don’t feel a need to try, but I do love a good adventure. Travel to new places is definitely a way I like to expand my horizons, get out of the comfort zone of my back yard, and experience things I never have before.  Our favorite way to travel is to land somewhere for a stretch of days and explore an area to learn what makes it unique and special.  I hope to do a lot more of that while I still can. 

After recent trips to Canada and Belize, I’ve been pondering the fact that in retirement it’s quite easy to settle into a routine where we don’t get out and about every day and sometimes our biggest adventure is binge-watching some Taylor Sheridan mini-series.  I’m not saying we can’t slow down and enjoy a less hectic pace, but I also think it’s very important to seek adventures big or small to keep us excited about life.  Keith and I like to think about where we might take our 5^th wheel next.  But adventure can also be lunch out at a new restaurant, taking in a sporting event or concert, meeting friends for wine tasting, finding a new park to explore.   

Photo: Jaguar Creek Resort, Belize

I’m setting a new bar for creating adventures in our recently retired life.  There are lots of ways to spark that sense of adventure even if we have limitations.  I have an itch to get birds or squirrels to eat out of my hand.  I’m assembling a book and contemplating creating some online classes around writing.  Keith and I are discussing day trips we could make in our own area.  And we have some bigger adventures in mind as well.  When was the last time you tried something new or planned an outing or even a trip to somewhere you’ve never been?  Maybe your adventure looks like taking a class or trying a new hobby.  Let’s all agree to incorporate more adventure into our days.  I hope you’ll share where your adventures take you and what you learn along the way! 

Embrace the experience, the quest, the thrill
New spaces, new places, new growth fulfilled.
To wander, to conquer, to break new ground;
reshape our worldview as insight is found.

Adventure expands, enlightens, elevates,
allows us to break free, build our bravery and faith.
For in the exploration we discover our dreams
as understanding brings truth in life-giving streams.      

Photo: Sheep River Falls, Alberta