We all want to trek to Tibet and Darkest Peru and the Moon. And? We should. But let's also honor the more commonplace adventures we have every day. Anything that scares you a little (or a lot) is an adventure. You know - when you have to make yourself be a little bit brave. Anything that's a teensy bit risky. It doesn't have to be bungee jumping. For shy girls like me, talking to elderly strangers is an adventure.
Go for a walk in inclement weather. Do something for the first time. Sing out loud. Dance out loud. Take the stairs. Stand up for yourself. Make art and put it out in the world. Order something weird in a restaurant. Refrain from forming an opinion right away. Turn left instead of right and see how that feels.
Bring your kids. Or, don't - it's up to you. But they're good cover for whimsy, enthusiasm, and childlike behavior.
Hiking and cooking and public transit can be adventures if you do it right. Travel is always an adventure - unless you do it wrong. Driving the middle school carpool probably shouldn't be an adventure, but sometimes the passengers enjoy it more when it is.
Did you know, when you started reading this, that I would say it was all in your head? That I would say that it's all about believing in yourself and having a good attitude? And then I did? And look, you're still reading! Did you think that I would tell you that I feel adventurous every day and it makes my life super-amazing in every way? Surprise! I didn't. Honestly, I wrote this more to encourage myself than anything. So, let's be bold! And then meet back here later to talk about it. I'll bring the bandages.
OH, and! On an adventure, you almost always get ice cream. You have to earn it, but you get ice cream. All you have to do is breathe deeply and commit. It's okay to be nervous. It's okay to fail. Even when you fail, you still get the ice cream.