It is amazing to me the many events that occur in life that I would consider "Adventures" Some are planned and expected, some are unplanned. Most are pleasant or I would not consider an adventure although there are those necessary adventures that are unpleasant and unwanted.
According to Merriam-Webster, there are a few different definitions of the word adventure. Definition number one: an undertaking usually involving unknown risks. Very true, many great adventures carry risks and are sometimes scary. Definition number two: an exciting or remarkable experience. Yes! Many adventures are very rewarding and exciting and worth all the risk as previously mentioned to experience such greatness. Definition number three: an enerprise involving financial risk. Ok...different type of adventure entirely but still important just the same.
My favorite kind of adventure are those when time is unlimited and there is not much of a goal in mind other than to have a little fun. Such as driving several hours in one day just to find an Old Time candy shoppe after watching an episode of Unwrapped about candy on the Food Network. Not exactly sure of where you're going but with a goal in mind and no care in the world in how long it takes to get there or how many times you get lost or turned around in the process as long as you eventually get what you wanted out of the process.
I am also one who LOVES to try new foods. I must say I have no intention of ever eating bugs whether they are dead or alive, crunchy or squishy, chicken flavored or coated in chocolate. I really don't think so. I will however, try nearly anything at least once and I usually like most things put in front of me. Trying a new food can be scary and the risks can be great! Ask my brother about the night on a cruise we went on when he tried Indian food. That was a gastrointestinal disaster and I think next time he eats Indian cuisine, I will sleep up on deck! New foods can be very rewarding too. Food can take you to a whole other place that few other things can. Food can make you feel energized, comforted, alive, euphoric, and damn near intoxicated at times and trying new foods gives you opportunities to add to your every day experience. After all, we eat on average, three times a day. Why not experiment and have a food adventure today?
Trying your hand at a new skill can be a wonderful adventure or a flop entirely. I have grown up trying a LOT of hobbies, most in the area of arts and crafts. I have cross-stitched, painted, made pottery, crafted jewelry, attempted drawing...you name it and I've probably tried it and I seem to be able to pick up almost anything I try, although there are few things I would say I have gotten very good at. I have recently been learning how to knit. I originally learned how to knit in High School and never progressed past scarves so on a recent trip to Milwaukee to visit my Aunt, I was inspired to try again and this time, make something a little more functional than a scarf and so far, I have been quite successful in this adventure. (Much more on that later.) It feels somewhat empowering to create something useful out of some yarn and a couple of sticks!
Most importantly, meeting new people is a very grand adventure. We have the potential to meet SO many people every day but rarely take that opportunity. That's probably because we are busy people and we are all preoccupied with our work problems, car problems, personal problems, and what to make for dinner! Sometimes it creeps up on you and you just happen to start a conversation with someone you've never met and end up talking about something great you both happen to have in common. When you walk away from this new person, you feel lighter and happier knowing you have made a connection with someone even if you may not ever see or speak to that individual again. Sometimes friends come and go in our lives. They move away, get married, have kids, etc. preventing you from seeing them as much as you would like. Some disappear forever and some have a way of finding their way back into our lives as if they were never supposed to leave in the first place. Some new people we can't get enough of and some we don't feel a connection with at all. Recently, I was introduced to some of my boyfriend's closest friends and family. It was strange to me that over the couple days I spent with these people, I felt more at home and comforted by their presence than I have by some of the people I have known for years. I immediately felt invited and part of the group I had just met. It was a bit surreal but I find myself wanting to spend more time with these people I have just met and wondering when I will have another chance. Some people are in our lives for a reason, even if just for a short time, and that is an adventure to celebrate.
