Everyday Adventure

We love adventure here in Nelson’s studio.

You could call it the mojo that moves us, or the spark that keeps us fired up.

We talk about it, dream about it, plan for it, poke fun at it, and try to keep it as a guiding element for all the work and play that we do.

Sometimes, though, it’s all too easy to get lost among the big ideas. Those are the times when it’s good to stop, take a breath, and remind yourself that not all adventures happen in far off lands, or among strangers.

Adventures do not require Frequent Flier Miles

Sometimes the most powerful adventures are conquered in your own backyard, with people you’ve known for years. Sometimes they’re even in your own mind.

According to Wikipedia: “Adventures may be activities with some potential for physical danger such as traveling, exploring, skydiving, mountain climbing, SCUBA diving, river rafting or participating in extreme sports. The term also broadly refers to any enterprise that is potentially fraught with physical, financial or psychological risk, such as a business venture or other major life undertakings.”

This is all true, but my interpretation of “adventure” is a bit broader and a bit closer to what you’ll find at Dictionary.com:

adventure (noun)
1. an exciting or very unusual experience.
2. participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises: the spirit of adventure.
3. a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome.

I’ve highlighted the bits I find most relevant.

Be bold

Adventure isn’t necessarily about physical danger or monetary risk. It is about doing something bold, exciting, and unusual; something that has an uncertain outcome.

It is about stretching your boundaries, challenging yourself and learning from the experience.

Yes, this can mean travel or sports, but it can also mean facing a fear of water by taking swimming lessons at the local pool. It can mean trying a new food or cooking a new recipe. It can mean standing up to a bully or stepping in and helping a friend or family member in a difficult situation.

The Journey at Home

This is actually a main premise of the book (and musical) Ragtime, by E. L. Doctorow. As she stands on the docks, seeing her husband off on an arctic expedition, Mother has one of my favorite lines:

“I will be journeying here, my love, as you go journeying on the sea.”

Excitement doesn’t have to be huge or dramatic. Small adventures are adventures, too. Sometimes a spontaneous walk around the block is all the adventure we need for one afternoon.

Small adventures, big rewards

Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t go for the big adventures. Climbing a mountain can be amazing, and we all need goals to inspire us to be our best selves. I’m just saying that the smaller adventures have their own merit.

Small adventures keep you going, keep you inspired, keep you living in the present moment, and train you for when that big adventure comes along and means business.

Tack up that painting of a tropical shore.

Wear that pirate pendant.

Cheer for your favorite Olympic hero.

Keep growing!

Keep exploring!

Your adventure awaits!