How to make your life an adventure!

When we hear of adventure we tend to think of thrill rides and perhaps of the few courageous (or foolish) who dare undertake unusual, brave, exciting and even risky activities. But there’s another type of adventure – the type that we are all able to have a go at. That is, to dare to think, be and do differently to everyone else. To be so brave that we don’t ever feel the need to prove ourselves to anyone in our life. It may not sound as thrilling as jumping out of an aeroplane (which is temporary at best) but speaking as an old adventure seeking free-spirit, I find this kind of adventure more thrilling than anything I’ve ever done. Why?… Because it gives me confidence and self worth. Because it works inside-out not outside-in, making it fulfilling and long-lasting. This type of adventure takes courage and determination because it means that no matter how afraid I am, I will stay true to my essence in any situation. This allows me to be an eternal student of life – to never stop learning and to always stay open to all of life’s possibilities. Adventure means to dare to show our true power (to no longer play small) which is entirely possible when we dare to use the power of our own mind. And the exciting news is that we each have this most powerful instrument at our disposal – to be as adventurous as we wish… And it’s right between our ears! It’s faithful and comes with us wherever we go, no matter how much we choose to ignore it.

Consciously using our mind, we automatically begin to fulfil our adventurous nature! Exploring … Experimenting … Expanding … Using our mind invites fun and gives an ‘anything is possible’ attitude. It brings so many amazing ideas to the forefront of our imagination that there’s nothing we can’t achieve – if only we allowed ourselves to believe! Not in an airy-fairy kind of way but in a self empowered, I know I can, kind of way. Opportunities we thought were reserved for the fortunate few, actually belong to all of us. We each have a right to succeed but it’s up to each of us, to tap our inner power, to help us reach out into the world and grab life with both hands. Few are aware that adventure starts within, often choosing external quick fixes over inner empowerment. But once I understand that adventure starts with the power of my own thoughts, my own attitude and my own beliefs, then no longer do I need to look longingly at the lives of others – wishing that was me. Instead, I become the creator of my own path simply by using my own power – through my mind’s eye… Through my soul 🙂

Unfortunately we are programmed to define ourselves outside in, feeding all sorts of limiting beliefs – about ourselves and about others. Subject to which country we live in, which culture or religion we belong to, which organisation, social group or even family we are a part of. Sadly we are not taught how to use our own mind effectively. Instead we are taught to conform. And as we lose our adventurous spirit, an inner frustration begins to grow. Living the life of ‘a good girl / boy’ is ingrained in many of us from birth. Stepping outside the ‘rules’ is therefore a little scary and for most this becomes too much to undertake, for fear of displeasing anyone. Using our own mind is still viewed as resisting to ‘the norm’. But this I know, when I swing between conforming and controlling, it doesn’t serve a higher purpose because we compromise our higher value in the process… Having been seen as a ‘rebel’ throughout my life I now realise I was simply being adventurous with my inner abilities, which was often seen as ‘rebellious’. For many years, I lived a life of insecurities and self doubt that stemmed from external rules.

Instead of comparing ourselves to others – regretting what we did or didn’t do in the past or fearing what we may or may not be able to do in the future. Lets look towards our goals and celebrate our individual achievements – no matter how small. Then daily living automatically becomes adventurous. When we give ourselves permission to live in the now, we allow ourselves to experience adventure because instead of fearing the unknown, we remain open to change at every corner. To be more mindful in the now, to enjoy the gift which is now. You see, we can’t change the past and we can’t control the future but we can make some significant inroads to changing ourselves today – through changing our own mind. Self transformation is not only adventurous, it’s powerful and self affirming. Because true adventure starts with knowing my worth and my purpose, and to live my life in accordance with that – without force, manipulation, expectation or blame – just because I can 🙂 To like myself and the role I play in life, allows me to get out of my own way. It doesn’t have to be outrageous (though it may appear that way to others). But to demonstrate to those so desperately wanting to burst into life, to accept themselves so lovingly and completely, that it leaves no room for self sabotage.

Now living ‘Soul Conscious’ I can be truly adventurous without the fear of retribution because I’m constantly filling myself up. So much so that I’m ‘bursting’ from the inside – overflowing so that others can also enjoy the free-flowing energy that comes from spiritual adventure. So filled up that I have so much to give, that I trust whatever happens is good – instantly giving me courage to be different and determined and prepared, to light the way for others – no matter how ‘crazy’ I may appear to anyone else… It allows me to dare to soar through my life simply because I know I can. Are you ready to soar?

Question: Is my life adventurous? If not, why not?

Contemplation: What frightens me from stepping into my own power?

Action: Whenever you are about to take on a ‘new’ and different way (in comparison to the old habitual ways) take a breath, use an empowering affirmation (if necessary) and take at least one practical step towards your aim – doesn’t matter how small. Affirmations can be a helpful strategy (if that negative inner chatter begins). One of my affirmations I’ve used successfully in the past is “I am a powerful soul. I have the ability to….…………. I know I can because I trust myself. I will succeed!” Feel free to use it or use it as an example 🙂

Stay well everyone, Love Annemarie