Sunday, August 11, 2013

Stepping Through Adventure's Door.


“In the universe, there are things that are known, and things that are unknown, and in between, there are doors.” – William Blake

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

Would you travel this world seeking a most magnificent adventure?

Or would you stick to the simpler things in life, like eating all of the cake and not making any excuses as to why?
 
Would you finally ask her out, the one that makes your heart smile the most?

Would you do it all, and everything else—if it was such that you could not fail?

Would it be, that you might finally step through adventure’s door?

We all have our ‘bucket lists’—those random things which hang out in our heads, the ‘wouldn’t it be cool’s and the ‘this is so nice’s.

These are the things that fill up our minds—and plant the seeds to all of our dreams. And the only thing that keeps them there boxed up so tight—is quite simply, our own fear to fail.

So, in honor of all those bucket lists everywhere—just a few simple words… “go, now, and do.”

And if it is, that you feel the need for just a little inspiration—well, you’re most welcome to sift through mine. Fair warning, though—peeking into the mind of a writing spirit, can sometimes yield quite unexpected results.

To quote author, Colin Nissan,
“A writer’s brain is full of little gifts, like a piñata at a birthday party. It’s also full of demons, like a piñata at a birthday party in a mental hospital.”
So, what would I do if I knew I could not fail? Alright, here it is, my list. But spoiler alert—it may be that I’ve already done them all.

My “Bucket List”

I would do something that really terrifies me. Something fabulous, and worthy of mention in at least one or two major newspapers. I’m not looking for front page, mind you—though, certainly not the obits either. Let’s just say, “I want to do something fabulously terrifying, and newsworthy. But that wouldn’t land me in a locky-up sort of place, or some other type of legal-limbo.” After all, a little fear is good for the soul.

I would eat, anything and everything. Like an entire pizza, in Italy. Or, that 40-scoop Ben and Jerry’s Vermonster Sundae at their store in Vermont. Darling, I would rock my Food Channel all night long, and not give a second thought to it.

The Irreverent Iris Apfel: via Tara on Pinterest.
Iris Apfel: via Tara on Pinterest.

I would wear, whatever the hell I wanted (even on ‘business casual’ days). And, I wouldn’t so much care how my butt looked, or if things were all ‘matchy-match.’ I would wear only those things that made my heart smile big, and the rest would stay stuffed in a box by my bed.

I would never skimp on the ‘I love you’s. I would smother them on, all day long—with my showerings of affection and praise. And, I wouldn’t hold back on the hugs and the smoochies—not ever, for the rest of my days.

I would go on wonderful adventures with my kids. I would show them this world, and all the cool stuff within it—hopping our way from coast to coast. And we wouldn’t stop, until we’d quite had enough—because, a good adventure requires you to explore.

I would see things I have never seen before—like, the Grand Canyon—and just because. And I would stay up really late, to watch the frost form on the leaves—and then, stick around to watch the sun rise again.

I would make room for romance. That’s right, that’s what I said. And I wouldn’t be afraid of falling down on my ass, or letting love smack me upside my head.

I would be silly, everyday. Doing such things like walking into a crowded elevator and asking, “I bet you’re all wondering why I have gathered you here today?” Because, this world needs more silliness in it.

And when it was, that I finished this list—I couldn’t possibly just end it there. Because, if it were such that I could not fail—I’d never hesitate stepping through adventures door again.

Because, if you want what you’ve not ever had—you need to be willing to do what’s not ever been done before.

So, what are you waiting for? Go grab that adventure—or at the very least, take a quick peek through that door..

adventure

Bonus—Six Amazing Quotes on Adventure:

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” ~ Martin Buber

“If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” ~ Anonymous

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain

“Every exit is an entry somewhere else.” ~ Tom Stoppard

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” ~ T. S. Eliot

And finally,

“Always remember, it’s simply not an adventure worth telling if there aren’t any dragons.” ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

2 comments:

  1. Hi Tara,

    I always enjoy your "Mindful Musings." Perhaps if I read them enough I will take a step out of my comfort zone and experience life more fully.

    Your writer’s mind inspires me, Thank You for sharing.

    Pam (*-*)

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  2. Thank you, Pam ~

    I am so grateful for your comments, and to know that I may have shared a little inspiration with anyone along this journey... well, it really makes me smile *big*. :)

    My circumstances have gently nudged me outside of my cozy comfort zone... and I will say, the air on this side... it WONDERFUL. Just do one thing today that makes you feel amazing... something just for you. I promise you, you will not be disappointed. :)

    Much love to you, Pam ~ may the gratitude that is within you, become the blessings that surround you...

    xo

    Tara

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