I love writing for OlderBeast, but sometimes worry I sound like I’ve “figured it all out.” NOT the case, man. I’m right alongside you, seeking smart choices and effective approaches to maximize life — to feel great, look my best, keep getting happier, and live long.
One topic where I feel 100% like “audience” — where these words are for myself as much as you:
We should seek out more “adventure” — to inspire fitness, but also to enhance the more psychological and emotional aspects of Wellness.
Defining Adventure
Merriam-Webster says adventure means “(1) an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risk; (2) an exciting or remarkable experience.”
For OlderBeast purposes let’s define adventure as an activity or experience that:
- Presents meaningful physical challenge: it doesn’t need to be climbing Everest, but can’t be a “gimme” either
- Is new and different; requires preparation and perhaps some learning
- Holds some excitement or even “romance” for you; captures your imagination
Why the OlderBeast Needs More Adventure in His Life
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things 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
These words are powerful for anyone, but especially so for OlderBeasts. We know Twain’s “twenty years” will go by fast. And these next 20 years are a big chunk of our remaining time here on the planet…even if you’re 40, but especially if you’re 50, 60, or older.
You convinced? In case not, here are some more reasons why.
⇒ Great inspiration for fitness and nutrition. You’ll need endurance and strength, and don’t want to carry unnecessary weight.
Example: A few years ago, I hiked up Mt. Whitney in California, the highest peak in the Continental U.S. Having that date circled on my calendar was a fantastic motivator to get into tip-top shape — I knew I’d need to be.
⇒ Often requires improving skills or learning new ones, or focusing on a different fitness activity than normal.
Multi-day cycling trip? Kayaking voyage? Preparing for these types of things shakes up your routine. It gives you that great “I’m getting better/stronger” feeling that’s harder to get with things you do all the time.
⇒ Higher-level emotional benefits. Planning and tackling adventures affirms that life still holds as-yet-unrealized possibilities for us…that we’ll discover new things and encounter the unexpected.
This is precious, joy-enhancing stuff, brothers. I’m not ready to give it up — I hope you’re not either!
OK, You’re Convinced. So Now, What Kind of Adventure?
I’m committed to have three or four adventures in 2017. Challenge for you: make 2017 an adventure year for yourself, too.
Here are ideas to start working with. Not every one will be epic…that’s tough to do for time and money reasons, among others. But even a little adventure goes a long way, and I think it will whet our appetite for more.
- Run, hike or ride up something. Example: I live in the SF Bay Area, and Mt. Diablo is a 3,800 foot-high mountain that’s pretty close, with a (steep) road running to the top. My 50th birthday is a few months away…and I plan to ride my bike to the top that day. I need to get into cycling shape for this!
- Plan a voyage. Maybe a backpacking trip and get reacquainted with the challenge of walking uphill with a pack on, and beauty of being a million miles away from civilization. Or a cycling trip where you get that great “road trip” experience, while having a great workout for a few days in a row. One of these is definitely on my list for this year.
- Learn something physical that’s new and exciting. Rock climbing? Scuba diving? Sea kayaking? Or get back to something like that, that you once thrived on.
- Cross a body of water via canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board. This one could be epic, of course, but it can be a small-ish thing, too. Go kayak across a lake you’ve never been to. Rent a SUP board and cruise around a harbor. This could be an open water swim challenge, too. Just be confident on this one before trying it, and take steps to stay safe, like not swimming “across” the lake but tracing the shoreline.
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A small number of you might already be consistent adventurers. Hats off to you, man. I admire you for that, and I aspire to be more like you in that way.
On the other side, many guys haven’t done much adventuring yet. They might be (understandably, maybe subconsciously) hesitant to get into it now. For you guys, with your thriving in mind…
“It is never too late to be who you might have been.” — George Eliot (English novelist)
And lest you think I’m going all literary on you, here’s the normal OlderBeast classic rock quote!
“Head out on the highway. Lookin’ for adventure, and whatever comes our way.” (Steppenwolf, Born to Be Wild — click to listen AND see the awesome trailer for “Easy Rider”)
Take Care of Yourself, with More Perspectives Like This
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Originally published at medium.com