Embracing Adventure

Let’s face it. In the middle of winter in Michigan, with the temperature below zero, the last thing on my mind is embracing adventure.

Fortunately, the palm trees and signpost remind me that there are other places in the world where it is warm and toasty.

I remember winter will be over, and soon enough I’ll be working out in my garden instead of huddled under blankets.

The signpost speaks to me of travel adventures still calling my name: Toronto? Rio de Janeiro? Prague?

The signpost reminds me that, with a last name like Wallace, it’s a shame I still haven’t been to Scotland. And that maybe a trip to see friends in North Carolina or Arizona would be a lot of fun.

But then I stop and sink into these thoughts further. I pause and sense what the deeper reason why this is the perfect photo to start a new year.

This photo invites me to embrace the spirit of adventure in the every day.

An adventure doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. You don’t have to climb a mountain or swim a sea to be adventurous.

Last year, I took a weekend trip to Mackinaw Island and stayed at the world reknown Grand Hotel. For me it was an adventure because it was a spur-of-the-moment decision.

It’s something I’m not likely to repeat anytime soon, but boy, was it an adventure!

A few years ago I “glamped” in an old camper for adventure. I reveled in the silence on the private lake and loved watching the full moon rise through the trees. The crackle of a warm fire as the night became cold was nothing short of enchanting.

And even though the camper was on land owned by a friend, it was an adventure for me. It forced me to step out of my day-to-day routine, and see things in a slightly different way.

Even commonplace activities can be adventures. For me, going to the local thrift store is fun. It’s a little different every time, and I never know what I’ll find.

What little adventures do you have in your everyday life?

How can pull yourself out of the mundane to experience enchantment?

What steps can you take to honor the spirit of adventure this year?