How to Be Adventurous by: Brad Bollenbach
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." -Howard Thurman
The article starts off with this powerful quote. Then Bollenbach speaks on how he believes that life is meant to be adventurous, and without adventure, you are missing something. He also goes on to say that there is no limit to being adventurous, no one too old, too young, too poor, too rich, too held back, too anything. Powerfully Bollenbach states that, "Right now is the only moment you ever have." So many times we are told that in our lives, but we never listen. We just agree, sometimes loudly state, "AMEN!", and then get on with our lives. It is very rare that a person decides to follow this, and when they do they are called names like hippies, or just plain dumb. Sometimes I look at these people and wonder if they are the ones who have it right, and we are the ones who are dumb. Bollenbach puts it simply, "...you're only ever either taking action to achieve a specific goal, or making excuses for why you aren't."
However, then Bollenbach goes into the more practical aspect. He begins to explain some of the more serious excuses for not being adventurous, no money for your idea, about to finish your degree, family, and so on. But then with that he asks, "What can you do right now, this afternoon or tonight, to increase your adventure quotient?" And that is something that I have had to think about a lot on this project. What can I do today that can make things interesting? Unfortunately, I never act on my ideas because I don't want to manipulate the project. My goal is to see what opportunities I am missing that are offered to me, so I am trying to let the opportunities flow in as naturally as possible. So for all of those who want to be practical out there Bollenbach offers simple words for encouragement on how to be more adventurous, "Throw yourself into the world." "Go out to a social event this evening, by yourself." That last one is rough. That is one I think most people struggle with. Everyone is down for a party with a few friends. But how about a party at someone's house whom you do not know at all, with no one other than yourself coming with you? Then for those who are especially stubborn and complain that they can't find anything Bollenbach lists things you can do. "Art shows, Book Readings, Rock Concerts, Museum Exhibits, Beginners Night Dance Classes, Speed Dating, Outdoor Festivals, Geek Gatherings, and Parades/Rallies/Protests." There is something out there for everyone, you just have to be willing to look. "The beauty of boldness is that you get to choose your own adventure." (Bollenbach) That is true and when it's all over you only have yourself to thank or blame, but trust me you'll still be happy with yourself for at least trying it.
The next piece of the article Bollenbach discusses the importance of attending things solo and not with others. He suggests that doing so will create confidence and self-identity. He then states, "Learing to create your own fun gives you more control over your social life." You can't mope around and blame others anymore when you are sitting in your dorm room alone. You just get up and do something. You control what happens each day and night, not everyone around you. Yes, Skinner, may have said that we are radishes in the sense that we are as big or small as we are in respect to how our enviroment raises us, but I say that is rubbish. Step up. Take control of your size. It is not to the fault of those around you that you chose to do nothing. No one invited you? Invite yourself? They don't want you to hangout with them? Great! There are 6,966,536,774 people in this world, someone is bound to like you. GET OUT THERE! And stop blaming anyone, but yourself. Believe me when I say most of these words are directed to myself. I love when Bollenbach states, "Suddenly, those awkward moments of waiting around like a loser for your friends to show up at some social gathering become opportunities to meet new people." That is so true, and we all have been there. Who wants to be the awkward kid sitting in the corner? No one. So don't be. Choosing to go alone will create you to stray away from being awkward, and start being social. We are meant to be social. Though it may help sooth us sometimes, our mouths were not meant for talking to ourselves.
Then Bollenbach addresses the fearful. He lists off all of the scary things you will encounter when being adventurous. "You won't know what to say when you approach people, You might end up standing around like a loser, You'll be almost visibly shaking for the first few people you approach, Some people will think you're creepy, Some people will think you're weird because you're not out with your friends, You'll tell yourself, "Oh my God! This is too hard! I think I'll just rent a movie instead. :/" Believe it or not these are all things that everyone goes through, even those that are more outgoing. I have a friend that is known for his (as my pastor puts it) Rico Suave attitude when entering a party. He just steps in a takes over the party. But he has told me time and time before that he didn't want to go to a social outing where no one knew him, he would rather just sit down and watch a movie. (it also doesn't help that he is a huge movie fanatic). Bollenbach boldly puts it out there, "Furthermore, you cannot read your way thorough this. The only path forward is action." This is so true. So many of us do it. It's great if you are inspired by the words I say, or anyone else says, but those words won't do anything for you if you don't act on it. I once knew this person who loved to agree with and say all of these very inspirational quotes, but their actions never matched the quote. It's all fine and dandy to agree with your pastor, but what does it mean if you don't act on it? I understand that you understand that there are struggling people in this world, but who was the last one you feed or even helped? We rely so much on books, movies, and politicians to change this world. Why? You have arms and legs, use them. Change this world. Nicholas Vujicic does it, and he doesn't even have arms or legs. Reading books is amazing and can help you in so many ways, but are you going to read the book or go out and write it?
I am so glad that I stumbled upon Bollenbach's article for he has a lot of great insight on issues I have been running into throughout my journey. I know that you have read my blog, and already feel like you read his article, but I still encourage you to read his. His overall point is adventure will change your life, especially if you do it alone. Talk to you soon!
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