Why is Adventure, Which Is Dangerous Also?

Why is adventure, which is sometimes dangerous, sometimes fun? I asked a marine biology student recently, after we had discussed why it’s important to have balance in life: “That’s just the kind of question I ask when people are planning an adventure. Why is adventure such a good thing?” He answered, “Because it makes you think.” Indeed, it does make you think.

What about when you’re not really in danger, and you are doing something that you love to do-sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, rafting, swimming, gardening, biking, bird watching, drinking, cooking, dancing, visiting the doctor? We all know that those things make us happy. But they also make us think. I like to travel, cook every day, and I like to garden. What else could I possibly be happy with? There are far too many activities that are too enjoyable to be considered risky.

So, that brings me to my next point. Which is why is adventure, which is dangerous also, so very popular? Because we all know that there are things we have a real interest in doing, that are challenging, exciting, and that lead to self-improvement or spiritual growth. Why is adventure, which is dangerous also, so popular?

Well, for starters, most people love to tell stories. Adventure is compelling. It draws people in. It’s exciting. It’s fun! When I’m on an adventure, I often find myself telling at least one story, about myself, or about something that happened during that adventure.

And, that’s just the start. A good writer will add context, sub-plots, back stories, and everything else that help readers imagine a more interesting adventure. All of that extra information makes the adventure even more dangerous because it adds another thing to work against. You know how if a teacher tells a student, in class, that the next time he or she has an exam, he or she should try this crazy experiment?

Now, you may be thinking that if teachers can do it, anybody can. That might be true in some cases, but then again, I’ve met people who told me that their favorite thing to do was to go climbing, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, flying, or anything else that wasn’t considered “adventure.” They were doing it in the hopes of experiencing some excitement.

Now, when I talk to someone who wants to pursue adventure as a way of life, they often say things like, “Well, it’s dangerous, but what’s fun about that?” That makes sense. I mean, what’s fun about getting hurt, or dying, or losing your stuff? I can think of a million things, but none of them are remotely as fun as running across the country, climbing a mountain, camping with a couple of friends, getting hit with a bear, or enjoying the process of actually living by doing the things you love.

The point I’m trying to make is, if you’re not pursuing adventure, you’re missing out. Adventure is what gets us moving forward with our lives. It helps us grow and mature. It inspires us. And most importantly, without adventure, who would even know you’re alive?

So the next question is, “Why is adventure, which is dangerous also?” Because without it, we’d all be stuck in some boring life with nothing much to do. And who wants to do that? Which brings me up to my next point.

Adventure makes your world meaningful. It makes your dreams real. Adventure takes you places. It might take you to the middle of the ocean, or to the edge of a snow-capped volcano.

Adventure is risky. In a lot of ways, life is just a risk. You have to climb that mountain, or fall out of a balloon. You might get struck by lightning. You might get struck by a car. But, because you decided to take on an adventure in life, these things don’t happen to you every day.

So, I guess my answer to the question, “Why is adventure, which is dangerous,” is that you should do it. Do whatever you can to pursue your dreams and goals. If it’s dangerous, then why not just do it anyway? After all, you will live longer than those people who choose not to live their lives to the fullest. That choice is ultimately your own.