The Art of Adventure

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Have you ever felt stuck in a rut? Bored with life, uninspired, anxious, exhausted with the mundane, just bleh…

I have many times. I am, by nature, a wanderer. I like a certain amount of routine, but not too much. I have a need to change up my routine and see what’s around the bend. My husband, Rich, (mostly) jokingly threatens to staple my feet to the floor because he thinks I’m always planning my next adventure. It’s not that I’m dissatisfied with life or not content. I’m just curious and new adventures enrich my life in so many ways. There is beauty in seeing something I’ve never seen before or doing something I’ve never done before.

I’m not just talking about travel. Any new experience can enrich your life.

• Try a new recipe
• Walk a different path
• Ride a bicycle
• Read a new book
• Take a painting class…heck, paint a room in your house!
• Join a group on something that interests you
• Sleep on the other side of the bed
• Have a pillow fight with your kids or spouse
• Try yoga…

How do you know you don’t like something if you’ve never tried it?

Think like a child. Children are naturally curious about the world around them. The only fear they are born with is fear of falling and fear of loud noises. The rest are caught or taught. Think about that for a minute…

In the early years of life, a child’s brain forms more than a million new neural connections every second. By the age of 6, the size of the brain increases to about 90% of its volume in adulthood. Then, as we age, our brain starts to shrink and change in appearance. Eeewwww!

So, when was the last time you did something for the first time? Change it up! Start a new hobby or revive an old one. One small act of change can propel you into the Art of Adventure and out of the rut!

Veloris & her husband, Rich, own Shady Acre Motel near Branson, MO. Her heart beats for family, gratitude, and inspiring others on their journey of living a life of purpose. She is the author of the ART OF LIVING editorial column here at PaolaLane.com