The Call of Adventure: Why We Need to Answer

  Hesitation towards adventure is the death of it.

  Today, my brother returned from a trip to Japan. He's someone who enjoys travel and adventure. It's something I've come to appreciate more as I've aged. I find myself wanting to experience more in life, yet I still hesitate.

  The call from adventure has gotten louder.

  As I sit writing this, early morning, in my office, I yearn to leave and take an unexpected journey. Jump into my Subaru, pick up my wife, and drive somewhere new.

 We used to do things like this more often.

 When I say adventure, I mean anywhere that's not home. They can be trips to the other side of the world, or a local park, a short car ride, anything outside of your routine.

 Adventure brings new experiences.

  Even if you're adventuring somewhere you've already visited, there is always change. Either you have changed, or the place has in some way.

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man."

~ Heraclitus

  I love this quote from Heraclitus because it rings true. Time changes everything. The river changes physically from the rushing water. We change as we grow older from the experience of life.

  Hopefully, we've also grown wiser with that experience.

  Before COVID, my wife and I used to take a yearly trip, alternating between Niagara Falls and Orlando, Florida. The adventure always had something different with each visit. We had new perspectives each year, and the locations would change with new people and attractions. It was always a memorable experience.

Adventure contributes to a change in us.

Our perspective is recalibrated when we take an adventure. New places or situations shift how we see ourselves and our problems. That quiet time in the woods, by the ocean, or by a waterfall lets your mind breathe. That little bit of distance, even mental distance from your routine, brings clarity.

  Be in the moment…

  We often find ourselves on an adventure, but not present in our minds. Thinking of the next thing that needs to be done, or a memory of the past. Taking the time to be in the moment slows the mind and builds focus. Living life in the moment allows you to appreciate what's in front of you: family, friends, nature, etc.

  I've had this issue more than I'd like to admit. I took a trip to Boston with my best friend and my cousin. The three of us were there for the largest gaming convention on the East Coast, PAX East. I didn't take the time to be present in the moment with my best friend, cousin, or the event. Snubbing my nose at the idea of waiting in lines to try out a new game, and always ready to do the next thing.

I was an impatient royal pain in the ass.

 My best friend never joined us again, and a few years later, he passed from lymphoma. I needed to learn to enjoy the moment and to be present with my friends and family. I learned the hard way.

  The experience of adventure boosts creativity.

  Adventure opens the mind. When you step away from the daily grind, your imagination can wander to new things. This creates a habitat for new ideas. These ideas could be ways to solve a problem in a different area of life or a creative endeavor. This all comes back to living in the moment and appreciating the adventure for what it is.

  I've taken note of this phenomenon during my recent trips. The first was a day trip I took with my wife. We visited a shrine, and it was so peaceful that I was able to quiet my mind, release stress, and find inspiration. The second was that yearly trip to PAX East with my cousin. Less peaceful, but it brought new ideas.

  There is a balance to life.

  Life isn't all gas and no brakes. We need the time to reflect on the adventures we've had. Appreciating that time later allows you to look forward to the next one.

  I've been more of a homebody, especially after I started working full time in IT. My sense of adventure had dwindled due to the mental exhaustion from the type of work I do.

  That was until I realized one thing.

  I need adventure in my life. We all do. Work was draining me of the fun and experiences of the world. I wasn't living my life to the fullest. The feeling that my work was stifling my ability to do more was depressing, so I took a new approach.

  I know what you're thinking, no, I didn't quit my job.

  The change was to make sure I put time aside for myself and my family. No more working extra hours on nights and weekends, unless it's an emergency, or properly scheduled in advance. No more overbooking my day, pushing back when I could see it getting to that point.

  It was a priority shift. I don't live to work; I work only to pay for necessities and to support my family.

  Adventure is important, even if you're an introvert. You don't need to travel the world, do something outside of your home, and experience something new.

  Live in the moment while you're at it. You'll thank yourself later.