PRACTICE: Consider thinking of today as ADVENTURE DAY.
According to Wikipedia, an adventure is an exciting experience, typically bold, maybe risky- potential for physical danger – taken often to create psychological arousal or some pursuit of knowledge. That being stated, I believe each morning at 5:30 AM when the alarm is the opening note of the soundtrack of my day, an adventure begins.
My day, I dare say yours as well, has the elements of an adventure. Some adventures need to be actively pursued while others are embraced when they unexpectedly pop up. All adventures are not positive. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing,” Helen Keller.
Life is an educational adventure and should be never ending. It is active and interactive. It is not a passive learning experience -sitting in a classroom with a teacher/lecturer. I think that is why Helen Keller – blind and deaf – could utter those words. It is a choice.
Consider this. When I put the left foot on the floor, quickly follow with the right and stand up straight, I take that first step with an awareness that adventure begins here and now. I will often say to myself, “Let’s see what is in store for today.” Sometimes my exciting experience is found in physical activity, especially yoga, as I attempt a pose where the mind is willing but the body refuses. Other times a bold idea will assail my thoughts around a topic to write about or a meal to prepare. Reading a book takes me on adventures to places that I have yet to visit!
Still not convinced that day to day living is an adventure? Consider this. Riding in or driving a car- risky and exciting-and seeing the smiling face of your loved one upon returning home, is remarkable. I live in a town where speeding and U-turns are the norm. Each time I talk to a stranger or a friend, I walk away with an appreciation for the uniqueness of everyone. Interaction with people, positive or negative, is an adventure of the pursuit of knowledge.
What I know to be true - I really have little to no control over the adversities and challenges that I may face during the day and that excites me. I can plan for what I want to happen but in the words of Forrest Gump, “S_____ happens.” At the end of most days and certainly at the end of the week, I can report to you that personal growth has occurred. Sometimes a bit of digging is required to uncover the growth, but it is always present…all because of an adventure into the unknown…daily living.
PSALM 40:5
PONDER THIS THOUGHT – Helen Keller, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
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