It’s tempting to think of adventures as things which happen in far flung places: going on an African safari, climbing Mount Everest or trekking through the Amazon jungle, for example. The truth is however, there are adventures to be had all around us in our everyday lives. If we take adventure to mean experiencing something outwith the norm, something unusual and exciting, then we can find adventure in the simplest of things: the books we read, the foods we eat, the people we meet and the choices we make. While big adventures to new destinations are thrilling we shouldn’t discount the daily adventures which can breathe new life into tired routines and bring glimmers of a thrill our way.
When was the last time you visited a new place just because you felt like it, perhaps getting up earlier than usual to set off in a new direction with no idea what to expect? It’s exciting not just because it shakes up your routine but because you’re stepping into the unknown, challenging yourself to discover something new. It’s the same when you decide for example, to try that new Lebanese restaurant instead of going to your usual Italian; you’re trying something new, bringing curiosity and an open mind to the table. These new experiences are the things which can make us feel alive, waking us up from the mundane day to day routines which can land us in a rut if we’re not careful. They’re not impossible adventures and they don’t cost the world but once you discover them, they’re addictive.
Adventures feel good because when we challenge ourselves to do something new and experience the sense of achievement that comes with actually doing it, our bodies release endorphins - those feel-good hormones which boost our mood and reduce our stress. Adventure is hugely important to our mental health and wellbeing for that reason alone. Stepping away from the norm also lets us escape our self-imposed limitations and opens our eyes to new possibilities. Our view of the world and our place in it expands and that brings a sense of freedom which is empowering.
From a personal growth perspective adventure is something which can significantly change the way we see ourselves and the world. Remember when you were a child and you tried something new and exciting like diving in the deep end of the pool for the first time? Do you remember how brave you felt when you finally did it? It’s no different for us as adults. Having an adventure is one of the quickest ways to build our confidence and boost our self-esteem. We show up for ourselves by committing to trying something new, doing it and surviving it. We learn to trust ourselves. We show ourselves that we can deal with uncertainty and that’s what builds the kind of resilience we need to help us navigate the difficult times in life. We show ourselves that we can tackle the unknown, push boundaries and survive. Nothing builds confidence and fosters personal growth quite like adventures.
And of course there are all the new skills to learn and the knowledge to be gained when we give ourselves the freedom to explore brave new worlds. We learn to problem solve in new contexts, relate to others with greater emotional intelligence, appreciate different cultures and approach life with child-like curiosity. Perhaps most importantly though, what we learn about ourselves and the world around us through our adventures can positively impact all the other areas of our lives, enriching how we show up at home, at work, in our communities and with those we love. The benefits are limitless and so are the adventures awaiting us. We all need adventures in our lives. When’s your next one?
