Insist On Adventures

Insist On Adventures.
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“Get off the beaten path”

Lately I've found myself busier than ever before. Running from job to job my days overflow with 35 - 40 hours of work each week. I spend every day in a variety of environments doing art; beneath a canopy of trees beside a creek I instruct students at Carlsbad Art Farm, in classrooms and studios I teach for Lux Art Institute, and as an intern at San Diego Art Institute I spend weekends in Balboa Park in a magnificent museum.

Work is a great way to find fulfillment in life. Art is my passion and I am so grateful to the people who both believe in me and support me as an artist. I personally find that work is a great way to fuel my mind because I’m constantly presented with challenges that allow me to think critically and pragmatically.

“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

What I want to discuss today, however, is how to find fulfillment through adventure. Over the past year or two I have embraced my spontaneous side. I have gained a deep appreciation for road trips, exploring my surroundings, and observing nature everywhere I go.

Adventures have the power to fuel your soul unlike anything else. In the same way we exercise to fuel our bodies, or meditate to take care of our minds, it is important to set aside time to nourish our souls.
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“But these are the days we dream about when the sunlight paints us gold”
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Adventures don’t have to be elaborate for you to feel the benefits. Things as simple as getting outside for a hike, climbing a tree, or making your way to the beach before sunrise are all fantastic ways to help you lead a more purposeful life.

The reason I chose the video above, “Insist On Tiny Adventures,” was because Cam + Nina do a fabulous job of explaining how adventuring might take a little sacrifice - but it is WORTH IT.

Between blogging, my 3 jobs, and setting aside time for friends and family, I understand what it means to be busy, and I understand just how easy it is to fall into bed after a long day.

​Insisting on adventures takes a lot of determination. It is far too easy to hit “snooze,” yet, setting an intention to adventure can improve your life significantly.

Research has proven that adventures have actual health and mental benefits. Being active through adventuring can do incredible things such as lowering risk of heart disease, raising tolerance for uncertainty, and fostering introspection.

In addition, Melanie Rudd of Stanford University concluded that being in nature and viewing things that instill a sense of admiration actually triggers a release of endorphins offering a mental boost which not only lowers stress temporarily but can have long lasting positive shifts for your overall temperament, meaning the more time you take to adventure the happier you can be.
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“The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn’t even think to ask.” - 180 Degrees South
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This past week I was incredibly busy but I intended to insist on adventure.

I woke up with the sun and headed for the beach. As mist accumulated on my windshield, I watched the temperature drop degree by degree on my dashboard. As I drove along the coast I thought about heading home and simply sleeping until work. I arrived at the sea and walked down the flights of stairs until I reached the sand. I set down my towel and headed towards the grey silent waters.

Diving under foaming waves with sand and rocks beneath my feet I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Having just woken up, I was able to stay in tune with my subconscious and process my dreams and intentions for the day. Insisting on this small adventure allowed me to be introspective which set me up for a more productive day where I was in touch with who I am and what I want.

The privilege of traveling from bed to beach in 10 minutes fills me with so much gratitude. I have an everlasting appreciation for the Pacific and love starting my day being reminded to take advantage of the beauty of the sea and dive in.
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“She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a drop of free water. She belonged to no man and to no city.” - Roman Payne
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Wherever you live in this world, find a special place you can travel to easily and frequently. I implore everyone to take advantage of the beauty that surrounds them through hiking, walking, swimming, driving, and experiencing a place local to you!! I encourage you to not only explore a destination - but to explore yourself. Check in with 'you' and give yourself whatever you need; love, forgiveness, adventure.
 
Happy Wandering.
 
Love.
 
Annie.
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