What's in a word?

The word 'adventure' gets thrown around to describe just about every exciting activity you can imagine these days. It is ever present on tour signage in the coastal towns of Baja. I think part of the word's incredible marketing power is that we all want to feel like a fearless badass. I totally get that. But, the truth is no sane person is truly fearless.

The original definitions for the word 'adventure' have little to do with how the word is used these days. Some examples of earlier definitions for the word-

'An undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks'

'To proceed despite risk' 

'To expose to danger or loss'

         

Basically, it's electing a path beset with known and unknown challenges that will have to be dealt with. By that definition, my solo travels on the Baja Divide Trail definitely qualified and I was feeling it. Mostly beautiful moments, but also strangely frightening ones to be alone and so very remote. I have never felt smaller and more physically vulnerable in my entire life.

In my previous life I longed for 'adventure'. I thought exciting experiences could somehow compensate for the sad truth that I was desperately depressed. Of course, they never could. In my case, the only journey that was going to heal me was an internal one. I needed to head into that frightening personal desert expanse to discover, heal, and accept my true self. I'm telling you right now, the journey of discovering oneself is a true adventure that requires great personal risk and discomfort. I don't know what it's like to push my physical body way beyond it's limits the way an athlete does, so I can't speak to that experience. But, I suspect the internal journey of healing for an adult who was abused as a child is more painful and daunting than any physical challenge an athlete overcomes. Especially since that journey of healing and self discovery never really ends for us.

It never ceases to inspire me when I meet someone who courageously knows and accepts their true self. You look into their eyes and feel in their spirit how much their experiences have changed their perspective on life. They don't consider themselves 'adventurers'. They are not adrenaline junkies. They are instead very present and grounded people with amazing skill sets. They are often survivors who follow their unique path with passion and commitment while keeping their heart and eyes wide open. The majority are not living lives that outwardly appear different from yours. One's path of self discovery and adventure could be the jungles of the corporate world just as much as the jungles of Central America. Where you physically are and how you look has nothing to do with your personal truth and value. 

I guess what I'm trying to say here is that if you're courageously embracing your true self, then every day of your life is an adventure to some degree no matter where you are or what you're doing. It won't always give you a thrilling jolt, but it will stretch you and give your days purpose. Thrills are fun and we all love them, but purpose is way more valuable and sustainable. 

So, take good care of you. Make time and space to tend to your personal journey. It's the greatest and most important adventure of your life. Some in your circle will understand it and some will not. Those that genuinely love you will accept and encourage you. 

Photo- On the Baja Divide Trail between Bahia de los Angeles and San Rafael.