An Unexpected Journey

“It’s time again. I’m being called. Out into the world of adventure and risk and danger. But I’ve become like the content Hobbit who’s fat and comfortable in his cozy burrow. It’s safe here. It’s secure. He’s worked deliberately to create a slow and predictable lifestyle. But there’s a flame deep within him that’s starting to reignite. After all, he’s had the taste of adventure before. It’s calling him out of his comforts. Away from the warmth of the hearth. Away from his fully stocked pantry. Away from the slippers and books and heirlooms and stuff. He’s starting to remember that feeling he had in his youth. The feelings of awe and fear, of wonder and excitement. For it was in the face of danger that he felt alive. He loves his comforts but he craves adventure. Deep within in him he is longing to take that first step out the door and into the wild. And like the Hobbit, adventure is calling me. I want to feel alive again.” -me

As you reflect on your past adventures and risks, consider how you felt during those moments. 

1) What was it exactly that ignited the spark within?

The unknown. The chance to explore. The opportunity to learn new things. Meeting new people and possibly new friends. Wandering. Discovering. The beautiful daily views. The independence. The challenges and the growth. The opportunity to fail and make mistakes. And the chance to make things right, maybe even better. The freedom of self expression and discovering of my own identity. Uncovering who I am on my own away from the influence of family and my past. The freedom. The freedom to choose and the freedom to be myself. 

2) What price were you willing to pay to take the risk? 

Moving away from my circle of friends and family. Quitting my job. Moving without securing a new job. 

I moved away from home with very little safety and security. But I had confidence that I’d be able to find a job and eventually support myself. I had confidence I’d meet new friends. And I had confidence that I could create a new life I loved. I certainly had fears of the unknown but it was also exciting. Anything was possible. And I had confidence that those possibilities would be to my benefit. 

I think it’s my confidence I’ve lost over the years. My skills to be independent aren’t what they used to be. I’ve been living in my comfort zone for a while now. And I admit it is nice to feel safe. Being surrounded by comfort and security is good, but if one isn’t careful it can start to deplete independence, risk taking and adventure. Is it possible to have a balance of safety and adventure? Or is it all one and not the other? Is it possible to have courage but not confidence? For I feel courageous, but I’m lacking in my confidence to take on the world like I did in my youth. 

3) What part of yourself relished the adventure despite the possibilities of failure? 

I never really thought of failure. Life was full of challenges and I definitely made mistakes. But I also had confidence that I’d turn those mistakes around, learn from them and grow. And I did. Some of the hardest lessons I’ve learned was when I lived on my own. But that didn’t stop me from moving forward in my adventures. I needed those lessons to gain strength and resilience. And I never would have grown into the woman I am today if I chose to play it safe. By taking the risks to move out of my comfort zone I allowed myself to discover who I really am in the world. 

“I was never created to stay in one place for my whole life. I was created to move, to discover and explore. I’m a hunter. I’m a gatherer. And I’m a wanderer. I’m at my best when I’m on my feet. I follow the seasons of nature. I follow the moon and the sun. I take the path less travelled. I welcome the unknown, for it is there that I am truly alive.” -me