A little while ago I stumbled across Alastair Humphreys and his idea of the “microadventure”:
Simple expeditions and challenges which are close to home, affordable and easy to organise. Ideas designed to encourage ordinary people to get Out There and Do Stuff for themselves, even in these tightened financial times.
I absolutely love this idea. It really stresses how Adventure is not a destination, but a state of mind.
You don’t need to be flying across the globe or walking across a continent to be having an adventure. Having an adventure is not limited to those that are rich or have the finest fanciest gear or even those who are at peak fitness. Adventures are for everyone, and the idea behind microadventures really highlights that fact.
A microadventure can be anything – any outing or expedition that is a challenge to you and an inspiration to yourself and others. The main thing is your attitude and way of thinking. It’s not just a walk in the park, it’s an adventure – a microadventure! This could be tenting with the kids or friends in the yard for a weekend. Taking a hike up that mountain the town over. A roadtrip exploring new-to-you areas. Running a marathon. Exploring the woods out back of your house.
Who knows where your next adventure might lead. This one lead to poor Koopa being stuck in a tree – but that’s okay, because it was surely a grand adventure getting up there!
The important part is getting up and out and challenging yourself. Because that’s what adventuring is all about – challenging yourself and others to push beyond the norm. As Mr Humphreys says,
“Adventure is stretching yourself; mentally, physically or culturally. It is about doing what you do not normally do, pushing yourself hard and doing it to the best of your ability.”
So what will your next microadventure be?
As for me, I’m off to continue my adventures in horse wrangling (aka there are new horses in the field and I’m going to go introduce myself to them, hoping that they’re as friendly as the others so that I continue Operation Horse Sense).
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Good luck with the horses!
Oh wow, thanks. I’ll need it. And thank you for the motivation and inspiration behind the post!
Thanks for sharing this. I love the idea of micro-adventures too! I think that is why I like hiking 14er’s.
You’re welcome! I love any idea that gets people excited about getting out, no matter how small or big the adventure may seem. :)
Absolutely spot on! Micro-adventures are grand!
And good for you for continuing Operation Horse Sense. I think I want to re-blog your post. (Now to see if I can remember how to do that…)
Hey, I hadn’t noticed the reblog option. That’s pretty cool!
Operation Horse Sense….it’s tough. These new horses aren’t quite as friendly. And there are four instead of two. But I am determined!
Reblogged this on Holly's Walk and commented:
Kelly Wells, whose adventuring name Ameranth, walked across America last year. She is the queen of adventures, and perhaps because of her experiences she understands that adventures are what you make of them. I’ve been having micro adventures all summer, and I’ve enjoyed the heck out of them. You can, too!