By Keegan Mack
Introduction
The energy of water flowing around your legs, the serene atmosphere created by the river's water resonating across the valley, and the comforting warmth of the sun on your face while you cast your dry fly into the water, waiting for a fish to bite as it leisurely drifts downstream. Though it may seem like a fanciful dream, it was merely an average day, distinct only in that I was outdoors, relishing in the moment, all thanks to our willingness to embark on a new journey.
Background
During the previous summer, at the age of 24, I embarked on my first camping trip since childhood. Although I've spent the majority of my life outdoors, camping never quite fit in until now. I was aware and yet unaware of what I had been missing out on, simply because I hadn't committed to a new adventure. It was thanks to my newfound willingness to try new things and the company of wonderful friends that I experienced one of the most memorable extended weekends of my life outdoors. This experience altered my perspective on how I wish to spend my time on this planet.
My Plea to you
What do you want to do when you retire?" and a common response is, "Travel the world." Today, I pose a simple question, why wait? While some may argue that they lack the necessary funds or time, if we take a moment to reflect, we might discover that we have more time than we think in our day-to-day lives. Even if we only explore our own backyard, we may be pleasantly surprised. Failing to commit to a new adventure means missing out on valuable time with loved ones, discovering new interests, or not seeing as much of the world as we had hoped for.
Quality Time with Family
If you refrain from venturing beyond your comfort zone and embracing new adventures, you risk losing valuable quality time with your family. Every passing day brings us closer to a time where we can’t enjoy the outdoors as easily. Not just for ourselves, but also for our loved ones.. Life is short, and often unpredictable. There is no better time than the present to embark on a new adventure. We are all aware of the extent to which technology dominates our lives. Its impact is even more significant than we realize. So, I urge you to close your eyes and consider the number of nights you could spend stargazing with your loved ones or lounging in a hammock by a tranquil lake on a gentle Saturday breeze. Rather than being divided up within your own home, watching nonsense. Grab your loved ones and spend time with them!
Discovering New Interest
One of the greatest aspects of the great American outdoors is the vastness of things to do. Between hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, geocaching, the list goes on and on. You can be exposed to new found hobbies that you may not have considered if you had not taken that first adventure. The outdoors can be a catalyst that propels your curiosity forward. Take new risks, and don't knock it till you try it. You might be surprised!
Travel more now
As mentioned before, the present moment is the ideal time to begin pursuing new adventures. Do not allow the mindset of "I'll do it someday" control your life. If you keep postponing it, someday may never arrive. Often, our own minds can hold us back from chasing the adventure we've been longing for. It's time to take the first step towards the experience you desire, no matter how small. Don't let fear, doubt, or excuses hold you back any longer. Remember, the most fulfilling experiences in life often begin with a simple act of courage. So, take that leap of faith, and start exploring the world around you today. The memories you make and the experiences you have will stay with you for a lifetime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, life is short, and it's important to make the most of it. As we discovered, committing to new adventures can open up a whole new world of possibilities and experiences. Whether it's exploring your own backyard or traveling to far-off places, embracing new adventures can lead to valuable time with loved ones, the discovery of new interests and hobbies, and a broader understanding of the world around us. So, don't wait until retirement to start pursuing your dreams. Take that first step today, no matter how small, and start creating memories and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.
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