I’ve been realizing that living in a digital age ran by social media has correlated with a decline of independent thought. We consistently quote songs and excerpt literature that has either moved us or interpreted a feeling we couldn’t express ourselves. In turn, its perceived as justified only because its taken from a source that is either popular, or at least accessible, to the general public to be validated credible. Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of my favorite writers, said, “I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.” I’m not boycotting being inspired by others, but more so- Rather than fit our lives into someone else’s recycled perceptions – “Oh wow those words of (insert quote here) really represent me ,” Why not challenge ourselves to–be–the inspiration that represents ourselves? Can we connect with each other through our own creative, independent thought? I feel we all have ideas that are just as inspiring, moving, and -real- as that of anyone else, regardless of how many people hear it. You just have to take the step forward and let it be heard. So I’ve decided to start a collection of my own “isms,” the things I’ve come to learn, live, and stand by throughout the years.

#7. Looking at the history of man and examining our  natural will to explore distant lands, develop new technologies and expand our knowledge, are very being is designed to tackle the unknown. To test our own capabilities. To see what our character is made of. To create. Explore.

To find adventure.

But as we fall into the routines of our daily lives: Wake up, eat, work, eat, sleep, repeat… we feel like the only way to get a grasp on that adventure in life is to travel to the far ends of the world, jump out of planes, help the third world in need, etc. Which can result in those of us without the time or money to be able to accomplish such things in our lives, we day dream and wish we could be “more adventurous”… and “experience more.”

But being adventurous is not a manufactured item you can purchase online and it isn’t an event a ticket will grant you access to.  Adventure is the internal experience of what happens when you’re driven by the willingness to be carefree and take more risks to do things you’ve never done before.

We act as if we are already experts on the odds and ends of where we currently exist and there is no potential for more. As if we’ve already passed up amazement with a “been there, done that” attitude.  We need to accept the fact we are full of b.s. and we don’t have everything figure out around us AND within us… that the only reason we desire “adventure” is because we have become too comfortable and complacent in our routine. The only thing we have “figured out” is how  NOT  to take more risks. Once we realize there is so much more life to be experienced outside our doorsteps, at our jobs, in our homes and in every moment in any place which presents the opportunity to discover more of ourselves and develop a character which has more depth than the people we were yesterday–Then, we will find adventure.

My adventure is writing a book. Making as many new friends as possible. Dropping the walls between my father and I with the goal of becoming closer. Creating an invention. Finishing first in a race. Getting in touch with performing art again. Finding God in different faiths. Testing what I am physically capable of. Becoming a stronger leader at work and with my friends.   Inspiring others to know there is more to themselves than they give credit to or could ever imagine. And of course, for me to do the same.

Yes. There is an entire world out there just waiting to be explored which most of us might not ever get the chance to see. But that does not mean we can’t recognize that the same feeling of climbing Everest can also be experienced by overtaking the obstacles which stand in the way of our day to day happiness. Mountains can be climbed every morning when you wake up to the same timezone and the same life you do everyday. The wonders of the world can be found in the wonder and awe of discovering things you never believed you were capable of.

Learn a new language and engage in a conversation with someone through your new found skill. Pick up a new hobby you’ve been wanting to do and connect with the community of people with similar interests. Take on a new project at work. Go to a show or sign up for that class. Ask for the raise you’ve desired and deserved. Share a vulnerable truth with someone you’ve been carrying on your shoulders for longer than you can remember. Say hello and strike up a conversation with a random stranger in a coffee shop. Reconnect with an old friend. Do something which you have historically told yourself its something you would never do. Then take pride in feeling, “I can’t believe I just did that.”

I believe there is a common fear that resides in the back of our minds dreading the possibility that we will one day come to a point in our lives and realize we wasted our time doing nothing, never finding our true selves. That’s the reason we decide to jump out of planes and travel to the far ends of the earth. It is also why we start businesses and do whatever we can in order to be able to successfully raise a family. It is why we feel the way we do when we run marathons and create works of art, indulging every moment of our achievements.  We try and find the true meaning behind the event in hope that it will lead us to something greater, inspiring ourselves to one day wake up from our dreams and turn the things we want to do with our lives into a reality. What is the point of being blessed with a long life if we didn’t take the initiative to live it to it’s full potential?  These are the defining moments which will bring happiness knowing  at one point we were able to persevere through our struggles and overcome the obstacles that test our physical and mental abilities. Time is limited, and the world around us is changing.  We must set out to experience that change. While having the clarity to clarity to understand  the change we find within in ourselves.

Stop daydreaming. There is an endless array of opportunities outside of your usual cycle in life. Take more risks, hesitate less, and embrace the unknown.  Adventure doesn’t have to cost a penny. So regardless of where you are, who you’re with, and what you’re doing…. the possibilities are endless… and the memories are priceless.