The Simple Secret to Living a Life of Adventure

This month marks my six month blogging anniversary and as a gift to us both, I want to write about one of my favourite topics – adventure.

Because we all want more adventure in our lives right?

After all, adventure is what makes our blood pump, our palms sweat and our hearts race – it’s what makes life worth living; it’s the secret ingredient, that little extra something, that makes life amazing.

And the good news is there’s a simple way to live a life of adventure, if you want it.

But first, indulge me for a moment and let’s talk about this blog.?

Six months … SIX months! it’s actually kinda hard to believe, because in that short time this little blog has become a huge part of my life.

I work (or at least think) about blogging almost everyday and it had most definitely changed the way I think about myself. I’m actually starting to consider myself as a writer, albeit cautiously – a term I never thought I’d use to describe myself (right up there with minimalist – haha!)

Blogging is bringing me a lot of joy.

I love having a little part of the Internet that’s all mine and a passion project to pour my heart into. I love writing and trying to capture the ideas that flutter around my mind like tiny butterflies (sometimes with limited success!) And most of all, I love having conversations with my readers about new ideas or hearing that my writing has actually helped or inspired someone – this seriously blows my mind.

But here’s the thing – my blog also scares the bejesus out of me.

Every time I press the ominous ‘publish’ button on a new post, a little voice tells me:

“My writing isn’t original.”
“I’m not sure I’m even making sense.”
And my personal favourite, “Who am I to be giving advice to anyone?!”

Then the voice continues (in a slightly hysterical tone):

“Why, oh why, couldn’t you just keep your thoughts safe and secure inside your head? Now you’re so … [audible gasp] exposed!”

And I feel utterly and completely terrified.

… for a bit, and then I put my big girl pants on and get over it.

But I’m starting to notice a pattern about fear and it’s not just blogging.

I feel this way every time I step off a plane in a new country; there’s always that split second when I wish I could teleport myself back home, where everything is safe and familiar.

I feel this way every time I start (or quit) a new job. In either situation, there’s always waves of doubt and the urge to continue doing what’s comfortable (even if I’m miserable), rather than face the unknown.

And I definitely felt this way when I told my (now) husband I loved him a week after we met (when every inch of my brain was shouting “Keep. Your. Mouth. Shut!”)

In fact, pretty much every awesome adventure in my life has been accompanied by soul crushing, doubt ridden fear.

Which leads me to draw the only logical conclusion (today’s big secret and the point of this post):

If you want to live a life of adventure, follow your fear.

Speak when it’s easier to stay silent.

Go out when it’s safer to stay home.

Be vulnerable.

Do the exact opposite of what your head is telling you to do and follow fear instead. Let it guide you off the beaten path (the one with clearly marked signs and streetlights) and instead down dimly lit alleys – because you know that’s where all the fun happens!

Now … to be clear, life with fear isn’t all roses.

Following your fear doesn’t guarantee success, it doesn’t guarantee you won’t get lost, and it most definitely does not guarantee you won’t get hurt.

In fact, more often than not it leads you directly to those things. Fear likes to watch you make awkward chit chat at parties, roam the streets at 2am looking for a hotel, and cry into your pillow with a broken heart.

Fear doesn’t guarantee that every thing will work out. (But it does guarantee adventure.)

I followed fear and quit a job I hated … and ended up in a new job I hated even more! But along the way I took an all expenses paid trip around Europe, learned I’m pretty awesome at public speaking, and sparked an interest in digital marketing.

I followed fear and got married to a man I barely knew at 23 … and ended up divorced by 32. But that marriage brought me to Australia, helped me to understand true self, and taught me a lot about what does (and doesn’t) work in my relationships.

I followed fear and hitchhiked with strangers, travelled solo around the world, and played with baby tigers – and I’m here telling my story with all my fingers and toes intact – so you win some, you lose some.

But it’s not about winning or losing – is it?

It’s about memories and skipped heart beats

laughter and tears

purpose and passion.

Adventure is waiting, if you’re brave enough to follow it.

RELATED POST: How to Take Chances (A Love Story)

PS: Somewhat ironically, this is one of the scariest posts I’ve ever written. If you enjoyed it you can let me know by commenting or sharing. Thanks friends x

photo credit : Vincent Liew // Used with permission

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