First it would be helpful to understand what I am not talking about:

• Anything that scares you beyond your capacity to face. If you have a fear of heights, then mountain climbing is NOT your adventure.
• Dangerous activities
• Illegal acts
• Stupid stuff that no one should do

Secondly what am I talking about? Think about any story that involves adventure… what was it that the main character did that made the plot move? My personal favorite is the Hobbit by JRR Tolkien. The central character, Bilbo Baggins, decides to take a risk to move out of his comfort zone and go on an adventure. Regardless of his motivations, which I suppose are debatable, he decides to join the Dwarves on a mission and take a roll for which he was not prepared. Read the book as it is brilliant and a must to read aloud to your kids. I think the main point is that he did not make comfort to be the end goal of his life. He believed that there was more to his story. For me the question then is, What is my story going to be? Is this it? Nope: there is more. I may not have to go face a dragon, but from wherever I am, I can move forward. What will define my adventure then? If you do not know then take a moment to reflect.

What is it that would move your soul and light a fire in your heart? What brings you joy? This thing is your adventure. It doesn’t just happen, though. It is a result of a decision to take action and leave comfort, and seek your fulfillment in the journey. How does it affect your health? I firmly believe that moving forward and grasping purpose, hope and a vision for yourself that takes courage will bring fulfillment. Those who travel life feeling fulfilled and at peace with their legacy have accomplished the ultimate task. Is this not a healthy life?

I want to help you have an adventurous life and make the most of the limited time you have on this planet. In these pages and blog posts, I’ll present lots of ideas and ways to move forward, do something different, and try something new. It’s up to you to figure out the following:

• Where am I at with life? How can I move forward? What makes sense for me to try next.
• Define the next step. If you are in bed with fatigue and exhaustion after having a heart attack and hospitalization, your next step is to take a deep breath and move forward with baby steps, not climb a mountain. Meet with your primary care doctor and make a plan to be safe, but move forward and engage life. If you just went through a job loss but have great health, maybe your next step is to challenge yourself and start working out.
• Lean forward and then move your foot ahead. Be ready to feel your own weight and then push forward. Really it’s the logical choice because if you do not, then you fall on your face. Gravity will have its way.
• Ask how much can I handle? Get good advice and make a sensible move based on your own reality.

Hopefully that expands your understanding of what adventure can be for you. It’s not just for adrenaline junkies. A fulfilling and adventurous life is for all of us.