Saying YES to Adventure

Children have so much energy! The question is, where do they get it? In my opinion, it’s because they are excited about life because everything is a new adventure. For me, as an adult, adventuring is one of the most exciting things about life.

I collect experiences. And the best way to do this is to say ‘yes’. I said ‘yes’ when asked to help crew for a balloon, which led to getting my pilots license and my own balloon. I said yes to an epic balloon flight over the Pedro Mountains. And yes to a friend who suggested I pick up paragliding. Yes, to the paragliding adventure in Colombia and Florida. Yes, when my friend Bonnie wanted to fly Costa Rica. I said yes to scuba diving in Bonaire and Caicos.

My daughter wanted to go backpacking, and I said, ‘Yes, let’s plan it’. I almost always say yes when Will wants to go fatbiking or AT skiing (unless I’m tired – rest and balance is still a good thing). I say yes to creative projects and yes to learning new skills. My youngest daughter wanted to grow corals for a project, and that turned into one of our favorite hobbies. My middle daughter decided to raise chickens for a school project, and now she’s been raising them for over 4 years. I also said yes to ducks and geese. This is her adventure that she keeps exploring. Not all adventures have to be outdoors.

One could have adventures in cooking, art, crafting, building… the key, I feel, is to constantly learn our try something new.

Sadly, so many say ‘no’ to adventures. I see it all the time, and the excuses are many. I feel that this life is precious and should be lived to the fullest – whatever that means for you.

Did we have the money for all of this? Not really, but we pinch pennies in other places to make all of this happen. For me, experiences are worth far more than money. I can’t even imagine where I would be if I had said no to all of these experiences. I notice my energy levels are restored after every adventure, even if it’s just hiking a new trail.

I wish you all more child-like energy this year!