“Adventure is out there!”

That’s one of my favorite quotes.

It’s actually from the Pixar movie Up. If you haven’t seen it, you should watch it simply for the story of true love told at the beginning and end of the movie. The main character is grieving the loss of his wife of many years and decides to finally go on the adventure they always said they would go on. At the end of a crazy trip (and some serious disappointment,) he discovers something his wife left him and realizes she felt that their relationship and normal life together was the best adventure of all.

Sounds sappy, but I’m getting teary eyed just reading this. It’s because the point is real. So many times I look at far away places or people doing big things with their lives and think about how I long for adventure myself. Meanwhile, it’s the everyday life – the ups and downs of becoming stronger, finding what truly matters, the small, bold choices we make every day that make up who we are – that’s real adventure!

We just have to look for it.

If you feel stuck, boring, or unfulfilled – we’ve all been there. So I’ve compiled 5 ideas for incorporating adventure into your everyday life to set you up for a fantastic season of joy and growth!

1. Go on walks.

Maybe it’s because this is my favorite thing to do when I travel (and I love to travel), but going on walks right here in my own neck of the woods is exhilarating for me. I take advantage or my neighborhood, the cute towns, the good shopping areas, nature, anywhere with a decent footpath.

Walking gets my blood moving, clears my head, and inspires me. It’s also a great thing to do socially that’s completely free!

It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover and notice – key parts to adventure. Go try it!

2. Listen to music associated with good memories.

It doesn’t sound like much, but there’s something about getting back in touch with the person I was and the lessons I learned in past years that can reignite motivation in my life today. Music can instantly transport you back!

For me, it’s a lot of old Christian Contemporary Music that brings me back to high school or my friend Eddie’s music that transports me back to my first summer living on my own after college. These were such important, exciting years and listening to these old songs awakens the joy and zeal I had then – that I still find inside of me now. (If this is you too, then you need to watch this 90’s Christian Song Battle! ⬇️)

3. Just do the thing you’ve been wanting to do.

For me, it was a podcast. I had been saying forever that I would love to do a web show. I finally found a great idea and the perfect co-host. We dragged our feet for a while until one day I texted her and said, “Let’s launch on Valentine’s Day. Let’s just do this!” And I’m so glad we did! It’s been extremely fulfilling.

Whatever it is for you – large or small – go do that thing that’s been itching inside of you – that you’ve always wanted to try. It does wonders for your personal growth and it’s so much fun!

4. Go to the local places you’ve wanted to try (or used to love.)

It’s easy to get into the same habits and go to the same places over and over. Make a list of all the places you’ve been wanting to try, then make it happen! Resolve to just go when you have a free evening or morning. You’ll be surprised at how exploring right where you are can ignite adventure and great friendship!

5. Initiate a few coffee dates. Get to know someone’s story.

We all long for community and often feel like the only one. I’m all about stepping out of this isolation and into community, no matter your seasons of life. You’ll be surprised what you might find! So whether you’re in need of closer friendships or you’ve met someone else who does, step out and initiate a get-together. Actually listen to his or her story and take time to share some of yours. You’ll discover a lot.

Conclusion

Adventure really is out there right where you are. You just have to look for it. Why not start today?

What other ways do you find adventure and joy in your everyday life?

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