Steve O’Neill on giving yourself a little adventure.
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Sometimes it’s easy to put your head down, make sure not to stray from the beaten path, and do what is familiar. We all know that familiar = easy. But what did it take to get to familiar? The unfamiliar. The unknown is undoubtedly scary at times, but what it can unlock is glorious.
I’ve been traveling for about 5 days now, and I’ve seen world class art and architecture, slept in 4 different beds, walked until my feet and back were severely aching, and now I have a half dozen new friends to show for it. Who knows what else is in store for me. It could be a week of shit just to get to those few sublime moments. I was touring St. Paul’s Cathedral and the second I stepped into the Nave (main hall), I looked up in awe at the vaulted ceiling and felt everything stop. It was an absolutely amazing feeling to know that all my doubts to this point could be put to rest because of this amazing piece of architecture.
I’m not saying drop everything and go travel. Just do something today that you don’t normally do. Eat something you’ve never had before, go to work a different way (possibly by walking or on a bike), tell someone something about yourself you never thought you would share, or talk to a perfect stranger. The great thing about any of those things is that you have no idea what might happen next. You may find a new food you love, your path to work may have just gotten easier, you may open up a side to yourself or someone else you never thought possible, or you even make a new friend. One, none, or all of these scenarios is the reality. Don’t be discouraged if it’s none. There have been times when I just want to pack up and go home because I miss my friends or a comfortable couch or watching the NFL playoffs. The point is, mix it up every once in a while. Variety is the spice of life my friends, so cook up some spicy food.
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This article originally appeared on Hobo Drifter.