Let’s Discuss
There are a few different things that come to mind when we think about what it means to live. There’s the idea that we are walking, talking, breathing human beings that eat, sleep, and poop. Then there is the choice to live. To wake up and do more than just survive. This mindset looks like, tasting new things, going on adventures, saying yes to rest and no to unnecessary overtime. What would we even need to choose to live?
Where does the desire to live come from?
Before we talk about what we need to live, we should ask, what gets us to intentionally make choice to live? Is it desperation? Is it courage? What shifts our mindset from staying safe in monotony to taking on new risks and adventures? Some might say books do it for them. Some might say they are part of a community of people who inspired them. Then there’s some who believe it’s all in the stars.
Then again, maybe the right question to start with would be where did it go? There’s a lot of things in life that clam us up. There’s grief and trauma and unacknowledged behaviors. These are all good reasons to clam up. There’s a million smart reasons to stay safe in your own little shell. I’m not here to convince you either way. I’m just here to understand how to make the shift.
Let me know what you think in the comments
This was originally published on the publication titled Know Thyself Heal Thyself
Jayne.press 
Adventure does not necessarily imply risk. Arguably, those who need the stimulus of risk are the least adventurous, if only because they follow recognized tramlines. There is no shift to make,unless you seek a life of privation as a means of self-flagellation. Experience is the key. To appreciate happiness you must first be sad, etc.. For myself, I write about people, and I cannot describe people without associating with them. I cannot ‘get away’ with descriptions unless they are real. I must touch the substance. That’s the full extent of my degree of ‘shift’ (if that helps).
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You sound very sure of yourself here. If I may ask, when was your last adventure?
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That doesn’t require too much thought. every day of my life is filled with adventure, because there is an element of the unexpected in everything, from the sentence that suddenly springs from the keys to the walk down the street and the chance encounter…a door is an adventure until you know what’s inside. Life doesn’t have to rely on self-indulgence to produce excitement – you don’t have to burn up the atmosphere in air miles, leap from a bridge, or get bitten to bits on the Amazon! I resent any form of labeling, but I think this much is true: those I’ve met who describe their history in terms of such things are pleased to regale you with tales of deprivation and ‘that surge’ (which I always took to be Adrenalin but may, upon reflection, have referred to dysentery) are invariably regretful. They always think in terms of missed ‘adventures’. My advice, which I’m sure you don’t want, is accept life for what it is; no-one can do everything, see everything, and the more those things become ticks into boxes, the less you actually gain from them. Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of ‘adventures’, and you won’t even have to try! Wow, that was a long one – sorry!
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I love your thoughts. Thank you for taking time to respond so thoughtfully. I find it interesting that when I mention adventure you think of a sort of Rockstar lifestyle maybe even “you only live once” type of philosophy with sex drugs and rock and roll at the forefront. But what I’m talking about here isn’t risky behaviors and self indulgence. I’m talking nonconformity, authenticity, and the audacity to speak the truth even when you’re the only one willing to do so. I do agree with you that those simple things bring adventure even risk in some areas. I have no interest in shallow endeavors unless it’s to spend time bonding with my friends and family. Even then, I’m picky about it.
To say yes to the call and no to behaviors that bring nothing but destruction is the adventure. That is the call.
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Whereas I was actually in more middle ground, focusing on the Millennial passion for travel and experience, usually in the furthest corners of culture. Rock stars I imagaine are on an even more extravagant plateau.
I think we basically agree here; although I draw a cautious line where nonconformity affects the wellbeing of innocents, as in the case of ‘Extinction Rebellion’ in UK.
I like that your blog asks questions.
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OOhhhh ok I understand much better now. I like that you took time to answer and explain your thoughts. I was inspired by our discussion.
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