Adventure…

In the last few years as more people I know retire, I’ve changed my salutation from “Congratulations on your retirement” to “Enjoy your next adventure”. When I take time to consider how that change came about I can admit it’s related to aging. I realize now that retirement isn’t the end of the line, it’s just a new chapter.

I decided to look up the definition of adventure. According to Oxford Languages online dictionary, an adventure is an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous experience or activity. I’ll admit I was a little surprised by the hazardous reference. I don’t generally think of an adventure as being risky. I think of it as exciting and potentially a new experience. If someone is going on a trip they’ve taken before I wish them fun travels. If someone tells me they’re heading out for a month long trip on the ocean, I’ll think “adventure”!

The more I thought about it though, the more I realized we have lots of opportunities for adventure all around us. Here are a few ideas I came up with.

Applying and accepting a job in a new location or with a new company. The move that you have to make whether it’s between companies or physical living locations is an opportunity for adventure. Meeting new people, finding your way in a new place or organization, creating a new environment, finding a new rhythm or routine can be the start of a new adventure.

Volunteering within a community can be an adventure. You never know who you will meet or what you will learn. It could start you on a whole new path.

I think adventures can be small and large. What if you’re on your own and in a new place without a companion and you want to go out for dinner. If it’s new and a little uncomfortable, this might be an ideal small adventure. Go out. Enjoy the meal. Sit confidently and take in the surroundings. This little adventure may open the door to others.

As I mentioned at the start of the blog, retirement should be a new adventure. It’s your chance to do something that you’ve always wanted. Maybe it’s a time when you can discern what you need. Maybe it’s a time for reflection or for travel to places you’ve only dreamed about.

Are adventures only solo experiences? I know lots of people who would tell me unequivocally, “NO” and I agree. My adventures are solo because I am single and I choose to do things on my own. There are lots of people I know who are taking up new hobbies together and making an adventure out of them.

I have a friend who has committed to herself to take a solo adventure every year. She has a husband and two daughters at home. This year she went on a kayak adventure that included camping out and weathering all elements. Some might question doing this when you have family at home. I think it’s not only brave (I’m really not into sleeping on the ground) but it’s showing her girls that taking care of oneself is critical for mental and physical health. My friend comes back from her adventure clearer of mind and stronger in spirit. How can that not be a good thing?

A friend is adventurous with food. I cannot even imagine trying all the different “delicacies” that interest him. In fact, I would not do it. I can admire him though, and appreciate his openness to food adventures.

Joining a new group. What about a book club? Beyond the adventure your imagination may take you with a good book, there’s the adventure of meeting individuals who share one of your interests. How about a women’s group or a community support group like the Lions Club? At least at the start it can be an adventure to learn about something new and contribute to your community. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for an adventure to morph into a new reality.

My next paragraph is about my upcoming adventure. I’ll be offline for the next few weeks as I live my own adventure and my ego hopes that my blogs will be missed. As I am typing though, my phone rings and it’s my mom with very sad news. My favourite priest, a man who helped me through difficult times, especially the illness and death of my dad, my aunt, and just recently my uncle has passed away. After the shock and the tears is the realization that because of my upcoming adventure I will not be able to attend his funeral and say goodbye. Quickly following that thought is knowing he would be the first to tell me to go and soak up every second. Instead of talking about my adventure, I’ll share a little that I learned from Fr. Kevin. My faith is important and no one has the right to question it, put me down for it or try to manipulate it or me for their own wishes. No one has a right to impose their beliefs on me. I have a right to mourn and I have a duty to celebrate life. This life is only the start.

Just a couple of pictures from my early morning walks this past week with the low-lying fog and the rising sun.

Celebrate all the wonders of our world.