Bucket Lists, Adventure, & Lessons Learned
Yesterday I checked off 2 Bucket List items! I know… I can hardly believe it either!! In fact I am writing this sitting on a deck with a cup of coffee, overlooking this gorgeous, once only dreamt of lake. I’m in awe of the beauty that surrounds me and I just keep staring, drinking it all in, not wanting to miss a moment!
I absolutely love seeing and experiencing new places and things! Checking off two places that rose to bucket list status… AMAZING, and just further fuels my unquenchable wanderlust and desire to explore and adventure through this great big world we live in!
As euphoric as I am about checking off bucket list items… as I’ve sat in this peaceful, life-giving place, my heart and mind have wondered to another kind of adventure I relish… that of being a hope bringer and change maker. (We’ll unpack those in another post) I’ve also been reflecting on some lessons I’ve learned about adventure and thought I’d share!
5 things I’ve learned about adventure:
1. It will stretch you beyond your comfort zone! Adventure often requires moving into what feels awkward or at times, even scary. This may be engaging in a respectful conversation with a coworker about the racist comment they made. Or it may be jumping off a cliff into the water!
2. It will teach you things. Adventure is full of lessons to be learned. One of the most satisfying parts of adventure is growing from your experience. This often is a result of encountering new ideas, perspectives, or ways of doing something. Adventure often causes me to pause and seek understanding, even if it doesn’t resonate with me initially.
3. It requires flexibility. Adventure rarely happens in a well planned and flawlessly executed fashion. You know what they say about “best laid plans” right? While still a planner by nature, I’ve learned I must leave ample room for stumbling upon something I wasn’t previously aware of that’s beckoning to be explored, or for things to go sideways. Sometimes an unexpected turn creates the most amazing adventure of all!
4. It requires active participation. I can’t think of one time I’ve experienced adventure as a passive observer. You must get off the sidelines of life and put that toe in the water! Living wholehearted adventure requires me to choose vulnerability and authenticity. That means I make plenty of mistakes, and those shape me just as much, if not more, than my successes.
5. It always leaves you with a story. I love recounting the stories of my adventures. Reliving and sharing these experiences with others is a true joy! I also know the Author of my story. As a hope bringer, one of my deepest joys is sharing the hope of the greatest adventure of life that transpires when following hard after the one who is writing your story, Jesus Christ.
Do any of these lessons resonate? Where do you need to embrace the adventure of your life?
Are there other lessons you’re learning about adventure that you would like to share? I invite you to comment below!