ADVENTURE
“A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.”
—John A. Shedd
Adventure opens us up to seeing the world – and our journey through it – in a deliciously forward-looking way.
When we prioritize adventure, we are welcoming in the unknown and the exciting. Pretend all of the world was one large Disneyland. There was no fear for your safety, and your only concerns were getting stuck in a long line of other Disney-goers, or somehow missing out because there was just too much to see.
If we gave you a fast-pass, you’d most likely try to hit every ride.
An adventurous life is exactly the same.
Courageously pursuing new experiences thrills us, boosts our confidence, teaches us new ways in which our world operates, and creates mental snapshots that we carry with us forever.
When many of us think about the concept of adventure, it can feel beyond us. Those things that others with disposable time and money do. But an adventurous spirit is within us all.
Every day can be a journey. You just have to amp up your bravery and start seeking in the places where fear wants you to avoid.
Your SYS Adventure Challenge is…
JULIE DERY, AMBASSADOR
GO ON A SOLO SCARE YOUR SOUL ADVENTURE
It’s time for you to create your own adventure. Without any of the creature comforts you are used to. You’re going to do this alone. Just you.
Your first goal is to choose a place near where you live that you’ve never truly experienced or explored before. One that gives you a palpable sense of adventure when you think about it.
If you have the time, set aside a morning or afternoon for your adventure. On this journey, you will be the captain and archivist.
CHRIS BORDONI, AMBASSADOR
Before you begin… We encourage you to print out this challenge’s worksheet so that you can write down your thoughts as you go.
The goals of your adventure are:
- When you leave on this self-guided adventure, pay attention. In your mind, record every sight, smell. Try to find sensory experiences that are brand new.
- Try to taste at least one thing that you’ve never tasted before
- Interact (safely, please) with one stranger – either a smile or a conversation
- In a small journal – or your phone – write down 3 new realizations or ideas
- Take 5 photos that capture your experience
A quick note: If you liked this challenge, the new Scare Your Soul book has an entire chapter on how to practice living a life of adventure. It features inspiring stories, the science behind how adventure enlivens us, more in-depth writing prompts, and lots of real-world challenges.
If you are interested in sharing your experience, e-mail us at contact@scareyoursoul.com
But the prime beneficiary of the challenge is YOU. What did you get out of this experience? What buttons did it push that was challenging? Did it spur you on to do another one?
Ready to take it up a notch?
If you are ready, we encourage you to do a week of Scaring Your Soul.
For the next seven days, “do one thing that scares you.” That means one thing every day where you intentionally push a comfort zone. Your act can be tiny. Baby steps. But at least once every day, take action.
-
- Call one person you are avoiding
- Do something that ramps up your sense of spirituality, or take 15 minutes to meditate
- Reconnect with an old friend you haven’t spoken to in ages
- Try a brand new physical practice, or move your body in a new and challenging way
- Eat vegan or plant-based for a day, or commit to being sober when you would normally drink
- Have an honest conversation with someone you care about
Whatever it is for YOU. But they key: DO IT.
Ready to take it up a notch?
If you are ready, we encourage you to do a week of Scaring Your Soul.
For the next seven days, “do one thing that scares you.” That means one thing every day where you intentionally push a comfort zone. Your act can be tiny. Baby steps. But at least once every day, take action.
-
- Call one person you are avoiding
- Do something that ramps up your sense of spirituality, or take 15 minutes to meditate
- Reconnect with an old friend you haven’t spoken to in ages
- Try a brand new physical practice, or move your body in a new and challenging way
- Eat vegan or plant-based for a day, or commit to being sober when you would normally drink
- Have an honest conversation with someone you care about
Whatever it is for YOU. But they key: DO IT.
Moving Forward - A Message From Scott Simon
Hello dear friend!
I want to offer my personal congratulations on starting your own Scare Your Soul journey. We all – no matter our background – have the human right to live the best life. One full of love, connection, joy. And, in my view, the key that unlocks that life is one word: courage.
I am so proud that Scare Your Soul offers free weekly challenges that will push you in all kinds of powerful ways. But – in reality – you don’t need our challenges to lead your boldest life. You just need to continue to tackle the small-but-brave acts that are meaningful to YOU.
Try this: In your mind, fast forward to one one year from today. What would your life look and be like if you chose to do one thing every day that scared you?
- What kind of new experiences will you have?
- What kind of real, vulnerable interactions will you have with loved ones?
- What ideas will you have that you will courageously share with others?
- What growth will you have in your work or communal life?
- What kind of role-modeling will you do for kids, grand-kids, or family members?
When we all adopt a Scare Your Soul attitude, we open doors to our lives. We often don’t know what will be on the other side. And that is delicious. To me, that is what life is all about.
So, starting TODAY, don’t let those petty, self-generated fears stop you. You have every right to an audacious, amazing life. The one you were destined to lead.
Best wishes on your journey ahead. Sending you lots of courage.
-Scott
PS: Send me any questions or comments any time at scott@scareyoursoul.com – I try my best to answer each and every one.
