"A lot of things in life people don't do because of the 'what-ifs.' But 'what-if' this happens or 'what if' that happens. What if you run out of petrol? And it stops us doing things. You know? In actual fact, the 'what ifs' and the 'might-bes' are what makes it so exciting. Because every time we got in trouble and every time your bike broke down, we met people who helped. It's a really optimistic view of the world I have right now, in that all the people, all around the world, have been incredibly generous, nice people." -Ewan McGregor "The Long Way Round"
This has really made me think about why we don't go on more adventures. We are held back by the possibility of trouble or disaster. But in actuality, those disasters and troubles you have along the way are what make the trip fun or memorable.
Examples from our own life:
#1. "A hike, at night, in the dark"--there was no hike up Golden Ears because we had car trouble. But I do remember Jocelyn holding up her cell phone and using it as a flashlight so that we could see beneath the car.
#2. Trip to Lacombe: To be honest, driving from here to Alberta isn't that exciting, but getting food poisoning along the way made it memorable. Also being nearly asleep and having Dan yell, "Timmmmmbbbbbber.....(long silence) Creek." And startling me awake with his Timber, as I thought a tree was going to fall on the car. Those are what made the trip memorable.
Here are two examples of regular trips, that turned into adventures because of those "what-ifs." But we don't let those things hold us back from more adventures. In fact, the spurn us on and cause us to desire more adventure. What will happen next? What kinds of things are we going to encounter? How will we deal with those types of situation? These invigorate me, rather than scare me. Perhaps that's why we're so full of adventure stories. I encourage you to go on that dream adventure. Don't let the "what-ifs" stop you; let them persuade you to go on.
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