For the past week I have been embracing the word “adventure” as my mantra. Specifically “Adventure!” said in an exuberant way whilst flailing my arms. I switched into this mindset while I was on my New York trip. That week I was going thru a lot of travel anxiety that was heightened by grief feels-it was the anniversary week of losing my mom. I’d like to think this burst of inspiration happened while I was flying to NYC and being weirdly anxious about logistics. I remember listening to “How Far I’ll Go” and thinking “Girl, if Moana can sail out into the void you can handle getting a cab at LaGuardia. Chill.”
There was something about taking a trip where there were no specific plans that really helped my mind relax. It was so great to go to a city that I don’t know super well but feel comfortable in and explore with friends (I was in town for a friend’s bachelorette party). It was my third time visiting NYC and my first time feeling truly confident in my visit. In the past I felt overwhelmed by it. On this trip I just went with the flow. It was the first time where I felt that it would not be outside the realm of possibilities for me to live there. I grew up going on vacations to Chicago, now Chicago is home. NYC is the new city to experience as a wide-eyed tourist...well a tourist with city sensibilities. I’m wide-eyed inside but you know I can power walk with the real New Yorkers.
Anyway I had all of that Sunday to go on Manhattan adventures. I went to church, caught up with friends, saw School of Rock on Broadway, got to go backstage to see friends who are in the show. It was amazing.
Since I’ve been back I’ve embraced this sense of adventure in my regular life. Because my schedule is so sporadic the best thing to do is to take it one day at a time. I can look at what I have scheduled make a plan for the day and call it an adventure.
I want to use the mantra of “adventure!” against any problem.
Can’t find parking? Adventure!
Having a technical issue? Adventure!
Difficult people at the grocery store? Adventure!
Might have to reschedule my vacation? Adventure!
Performing at a Lutheran church and learning how they do things different than Catholics? Adventure!
The world is a hot mess and I’m going to do my best to increase love and positivity? Adventure!
I guess what I’m discovering with this adventure mantra is it helps me to open up to what is from a place of faith. It does that in one word.
Here is a thing I am doing. Adventure!
It will be challenging. Adventure!
I’m excited to do it. Adventure!
I’m confident that I will get thru it. Adventure!
Will I always be this excited about life's adventures? Nope! Sometimes things are really sucky and I don't feel called to adventure but you know that's part of the journey too. Feelings of doubt are totally acceptable parts of the adventure and usually result in the best songs in Act 2.
Life is a journey full of little adventures and I love it.
