Exploring, venturing and escaping are ways we all delve into the unknown. The constants and routines in peoples lives are what anchors us to what we are used to and gives us a sense of security. Ideals are built around being comfortable with your surroundings and we as humans tend, in majority, to create this world in which we build home and 'settle'. This in certain ways can be rather restrictive. The lack of exposure to other places, cultures, landscapes, people and memories can be eluded simply by staying put and not wanting to broaden a number of personal horizons.
The term adventure means 'an unusual and exciting or daring experience'. This feeling of excitement usually comes with the escapology of the journey the person is about to embark on. In some ways a slight fear is caused by doing something out of character or generally unbeknown to the traveller. When on a journey this feeling is sometimes paired with joyous acceptance and a sense of accomplishment, but also, if unsure, possible dread. Risking the outcome is predominantly the thought which protrudes the decision of whether to commence with proceedings and take that first step beyond any doubt. This proposition can be commonly found with the community of 'adrenaline junkies'. Wanting to experience something that may change their psyche is attractive to someone who is open to the odd calculated risk.
On a personal level, one such adventure was set upon yesterday. Consisting of nothing more than train journeys and stations, this journey could easily be labelled as anything but an adventure. However, being free to wonder among the ever changing scenery and having an incredibly high chance of trains being delayed, gave me this same kick. I would certainly not know the people that I would be sat next to on the train, nor the people whom I would encounter passing. Whilst also travelling on my own, I had decided not to set an itinerary outside the looming deadlines of the train times. This would lead me to possibilities that maybe not have cropped up if I had strenuously planned every minute of my day. It allowed me to complete diversions and speak to strangers whom no matter how small the conversation, I had the opportunity to learn off of.
Interestingly enough, whilst in transit from East Croydon to London Victoria, an American woman, more specifically from upstate New York, situated herself next to me. Such was the atmosphere and ambience on the train now entering London, we began to strike a conversation to pass the time. As usual, pleasantries were exchanged such as asking the destination of each of our separate little 'adventures' and the purpose of travel. This soon became a deeper conversation as it very soon became evident geographically of where she based herself. In the obvious nature of knowing her country of residence, the topic quickly turned to the purpose of travel, to which she informed me that she was a guidance councillor and she would be travelling the length of the country via rail to visit prospective universities for students from New York. This snowballed onto the inquisitive subject of politics on which most of her students are currently studying. Considering the recent events politically in Britain and across the pond, the woman in an extremely eloquent way broke down the current climate most American's and the dilemma most face to make a reputable and legal change. Hearing opinions like this outside of the environment I shroud myself with daily will no doubt become invaluable in future decisions I make. Helping me form a more rounded and educated opinion will no doubt have a positive affect on my life, surely?
Which brings me to being here in Kent. If I hadn't embarked on my little adventure, I now would feel worse off due to the lack of exposure to differing surroundings. Being adventurous and doing something other than the norm has only ever expanded horizons and taught new and sometimes wonderful things that one can take forward. I would not be sat here writing this blog, I would not have been and gone to university and would not have the life long friends I have attained through just sitting in my comfort zone. Bringing in everything you are not used to will open you up to a world that sure, can sometimes frighten, but regardless of the negative or positive outcome, will always teach and give a sense of accomplishment. As small or as big as the adventure may be, you will only ever gain something truly valuable.
'Not all those who wonder are lost.' - J. R. R. Tolkien.
Comments