Choosing Adventure Every Day This Year

As the new year begins, I look ahead with excitement for what this year will bring and the many opportunities to choose adventure. Did you make New Year’s resolutions or set goals for the year? Or maybe you wrote down your overall vision or hope for the year?

I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions or set goals, but this year I decided to focus on my current mindset and life motto of “choosing adventure, not fear”. This mindset started a little over a year ago when we decided to move to Leavenworth, WA and I don’t want it to go away.

I want to enjoy life and live it to the fullest, choosing adventure every day or at least every chance I get.

What Does Choosing Adventure Mean?

Let’s look at a few definitions of adventure…

1. an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks
2. an exciting or remarkable experience
3. engaging in the exploration of unknown territory

I do not seek danger or risk so the first definition is not the type of adventure I will purposely choose this year, however, I do understand that it will come with some of the activities I participate in – and I’m OK with this. My definition of adventure falls under the second and third definitions. I want to have exciting and remarkable experiences, and I want to engage in the exploration of new or unknown (at least to me) territories.

Let me explain what this will look like in my life.

Adventure: Exciting and Remarkable Experiences

This type of adventure will include participating in outdoor activities (skiing, climbing, hiking, etc.) and trying new outdoor activities (such as mountain biking, skate skiing and more). It will also include trying new projects and activities at home (like painting, gardening, and cooking), and visiting and exploring new locations, inside and out, near home and afar. If I think of something I want to do or try, I’m going to do it. No more excuses. No more holding back. I don’t want my life to pass me by. I want to know I tried, even if I fail.

Already this year…my husband and I decided to learn how to skate ski, something neither of us has done before. It was my husband’s idea, but as soon as he asked, I said yes. 🙂  I’ve only been out twice, but I am so excited to get out again. It’s exhilarating to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. And guess what? So far, I really like it and I think it is something I will enjoy doing long term.

How would I have discovered I like this sport if I didn’t say yes and give it a try?

Adventure: Exploration of new or unknown territories

This definition is an expansion of the previous section regarding visiting new locations. Living in Leavenworth, WA (located on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range), we have so much access to climbing, hiking, skiing, water and other outdoor areas. So, this spring and summer I plan to visit and explore a new area every week. And, in addition to exploring places nearby, I also look forward to leaving our hometown to visit and explore other towns, cities, mountains, climbing destinations, national parks, countries, and beyond.

By choosing adventure, and choosing not to be held back by anything, I am opening the door to endless possibilities, endless experiences, and endless opportunities to explore the world. I am excited about life, excited about the future, and I am really excited to share all of this with my kids.

What about you? Do you want to have more adventures this year? Are there things you have thought about doing, but there was always an excuse or someone telling you it wasn’t a good idea?

If you want to have an adventure this year, or many, I challenge you to join me in saying yes to something new. It can be anything. Start small if you need to, or go big. 😉  You can do this. We can do this together.

In the comments below, let me know what you decide to do – I would love to hear from you!

Let’s have an amazing and adventurous 2017!!

To Adventuring Together,

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