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I spent my life dreaming of adventure; aspiring to travel, try new things, and explore everywhere (and everything) that I could. The dream spoke to me, trying to guide my decisions, but like many would-be adventurers, I listened less and less over time.
“Oh, I still want adventure,” I’d tell myself. “But it’ll have to wait until I finish college.”
“I still want to travel,” I said as I thought about my future, “but I’ve got to finish up grad school first.”
“I need to wait until I have a good job with benefits and paid vacation so I can afford these experiences,” I sighed while I got ready for work.
Then, a little over a year ago, I looked at myself in the mirror. “Something’s missing,” I said. “You go to work, you come home, you go to bed, then you do it all over again… To hell with this.”
I made the decision then and there, that I wasn’t going to wait anymore. I may never have a high-paying job. I may never have paid vacation time. I’m probably never going to be able to retire. Do you know what I will have? I’m going to have adventures.
My whole life is going to be an adventure.
Maybe this doesn’t apply to you. Maybe you’ve got it all sorted out in a way that’s working for you. In that case, disregard this post, and keep doing you. But if you feel like you’ve been waiting your whole life for the opportunity to have an adventure, I’m here to tell you that there’s no time like right now.
Don’t wait any longer. Go this weekend. Go tonight. Have an adventure. Maybe it’s something small, but that’s okay. Don’t judge an adventure solely on its size; microadventures are incredibly fulfilling, and you never know where each step will lead.
Don’t wait. The secret to becoming an adventurer is to go on adventures. It doesn’t matter what your skill level is, where you’re at, or how much money you have. If you’re out there doing the stuff, guess what? You’re an adventurer.
It doesn’t matter if you spend the majority of your week in a cubicle farm or waiting tables. You could be teaching students, sweeping floors, or typing code. That’s okay, there’s no shame in having a day job. It would be awesome if we all had sponsors, benefactors, or trust funds. But we don’t, so be proud of your day job, whatever it is.
Real adventurers have day jobs.
Bills have to be paid, trips have to be funded, gear must be bought, and we all need to eat. So you’ll probably need a day job, at least for awhile. Don’t feel bad about that. You’re working towards a goal, learning a skill that will come in handy. Work hard, give it your best effort, it’s part of the adventure of your life. But no matter what, don’t forget what you are…
You’re an adventurer. All day, every day.
Good post 🙂
I’ll add that not everybody wants to give up their day job to become s full-time adventurer. Sometimes week-end adventures and time off adventures are all you need if you have a job that fulfils another part of you.
You know, I didn’t really think of this while I was writing the post, but you’re 100% correct! I suppose my thoughts leaned this way because usually I get questions about how to have adventures when one has to keep working. But some people really do love their jobs and definitely should keep at them! If you dig it, do it!
It’s the attitude of looking for an adventure whatever you are doing. Sometimes parts of our day job give us a true adventure and sometimes time away from our day job allow us to create an adventure. Have to be open to finding adventure right around the corner no matter what we are doing.
That attitude about seeking an adventure no matter what you’re doing is also the subject of an upcoming post as well! Some day jobs bring opportunities, but you’re definitely right, we’ve got to be open to them when they come along!
I often feel this way about writing. : )
Your job at the tea shop was actually on my mind as I wrote this!
Oh snap!
You are completely right! I always tell people who are longing for adventure to start now! Take any opportunity that presents itself because there’s no better time than now! 🙂
I tell people all the time to start now, not later! Things are never going to line up perfectly, so we might as well go for it, right?