"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."
~Andre Gide
Many people say they have lived life to the fullest--yet they haven't left the comfort of their recliner. Adventure is defined as "an unusual and exciting activity." How can one say that they are going on an adventure when their surroundings are so familiar that the only thing that is "new" is a fresh piece of gum on the sidewalk?
If a person wants to be adventurous, as well as step out of their comfort zone the way "adventuring" entails, they would have to leave the comforts of their home. A true adventure doesn't start until you step out of your doorway, over the town line, and into the unknown world.
A journey, whether it be short or long, takes you outside of the place you call home. It will help shape you into a stronger and better person. You mature on these adventures because you are branching out, spreading your wings, fulfilling all of the cliche song lyrics regarding "breaking free."
When you step into this newly discovered world--meet new people, try new things--you are slowly being molded into the person you've always hoped you could become. You are not only having experiences that have never happened to you before, but you are seeing a different side of yourself. Going to a different city, a different state, or even a different country builds your confidence, gives you a repartee on how to become a social butterfly, and you get killer stories to tell when you get back.
The other important part of adventuring out on your own is just that, you are out on your own. You are away from your parents, friends, and other familiar faces. You have to learn to fend for yourself instead of leaning on those that you are used to being around. You may have your friends with you if you move to a different city, but otherwise, you only have yourself to count on. You've flown out of the nest, spread your wings, become your own person.
When you've had your adventure, it's always good to come back home and remember all that you have waiting for you. It helps you appreciate your adventure even more and learn what you want in life. You begin to recognize things in your home that you may have never seen before. You may also realize how much you didn't want to be in that town and leave even quicker for your next adventure.
Adventure is part of life, and setting out on your first one is a stepping stone on your way to furthering your experience at being a human. So set out on your own, take risks, and adventure.
