We’ve put adventure up on a pedestal. Adventure has become a nitty, gritty five-day camping trip in the Grand Canyon or a month-long backpacking trip across Europe. We forget that being adventurous doesn’t need to cost a lot of money, time, or distance. We think of ourselves as not adventurous when in reality, doing something new and unexpected, even a few miles from where we live, can have the same enlightening affect on our lives. You CAN be more adventurous wherever you are!
Adventure was that 2 a.m. donut run with a pit stop at a random person’s lawn that had red hearts spray-painted all over it. Adventure was running around the State Capitol grounds at night, peeking into senator’s windows. Adventure was a two-night camping trip at a state park 30 minutes away from home. Adventure was discovering a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with some incredible gyros. These were some of my real-life adventures back in college and it all happened within the city limits. When did my expectations for adventure become so grandiose?
I want to change our idea of adventure. It’s time to get out of our comfort zone, explore unknown territory, and try something new – all while making easy plans and keeping close to home! Adventure is available all around us, and we simply need to make time for it. Don’t believe me? Consider these adventurous suggestions.
- Make a bucket list for your hometown or state and accomplish it in a year.
- Cook with an unfamiliar ingredient or cook a dish you haven’t made before.
- Order something you wouldn’t usually order at a restaurant.
- Go see a music, comedy, dance, or art show.
- Go visit a nearby park.
- Take a painting, cooking or pottery class.
- Go dancing!
- Meet someone new at your workplace, grocery store, or networking event and strike up a conversation.
- Eat at a restaurant you’ve never been to. Bonus points for not looking up reviews before going!
- Go roller skating.
- Take a walk around your neighborhood.
- Bake and deliver cookies to your neighbors.
- Rent a bike and ride it around your city.
- Take a new way home from work.
- Visit that place you’ve always driven by and were curious about.
- Go kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding.
- Go camping for the weekend or for a night.
- Attend a music or food festival you’ve never been to.
- Make a coffee date with an acquaintance to get to know him/her.
- Mark cities 30-45 minutes away from your hometown and plan a day trip.
- Get a group together and volunteer.
- Complete a DIY project. Use Pinterest or simply show up at a craft store for ideas.
I personally think adventure is best when shared and it’s a lot more fun and will keep you more accountable when you involve others. Whether you adventure with friends or your significant other, I’m sure your relationship will be stronger because of the shared experience.
How will you be more adventurous this year? What adventurous activities would you suggest?
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