Adventure is not limited to some unknown place and discovering what’s out there. Adventure can be found anywhere and everywhere.
I woke up early today knowing I had a busy day ahead of me. My initial day would start with an hour drive up north to see a friend I had set an appointment with. After that, I had planned to explore the area to find a bakery/cafe I’ve always wanted to go to since I live far from it.
Those plans fell through. My friend had to cancel the appointment due to a mishap that happened, but fortunately for me that meant I’d be able to catch up on some sleep that I’ve been needing for a while.
After finally getting out of bed and spending some time playing with my dogs and greeting my parents who were awake, I decided I’d go out for a bit to run some errands as well as have some alone time—something I truly enjoy and love.
To be honest, sometimes I’ll catch myself to be whimsical in the way that I’ll do things spontaneously. It’s a funny characteristic I have despite being 100% introverted and shy.
Even though I initially had a full day planned ahead of myself and saw how it wouldn’t go through, I decided I’d drive around my area, go to my favorite coffee shop, and grab that cup of joe I’ve been craving. Perhaps I’d even share a story with a stranger or not. In reality, I felt the urge to spread as much kindness to those around me even if it meant going out of my comfort zone and striking up a conversation firsthand.
One of my favorite songs began playing as I got into my car; a song I had tied in with a memory I shared with my father when we took a trip in Cali. I danced and sang along with the song, and I noticed drivers looking and smiling at me as if my energy was contagious. As far as I know, I’ve never had that happen to me, but it was something new.
When I arrived at the coffee shop, I found it difficult to find parking. I drove around the lot in the hopes of an empty space appearing for about five minutes.
Nothing.
Maybe it was a sign for me to not be there, so I left and decided to stop at Whole Foods for a bit.
I was greeted by people smiling all around me as I entered. Usually I’m the type to not make eye contact with strangers when I enter a place, but because I knew today was different, I managed to smile back.
After heading towards the pastry section, I noticed an indecisive customer trying to figure out what they wanted to chose from the display of muffins. I chatted a bit with that person, and to my surprise, I realized they were happy with the suggestion I made on what to chose. I proceeded to order a cappuccino and a banana muffin for myself and enjoyed my little treat.
Immediately a swirl of ideas came into my mind as I sat nestled in my chair. Ideas and words of affirmation to where I was heading next.
After I got up, I began to head to the Target nearby to pick up a few things I’ve been needing for an experiment I’ll conduct in my class next week. I found myself analyzing my surroundings as I walked around. I noticed, in the midst of the busyness of the store, how at peace I was and how joyful I felt at. I walked by a few mirrors and noticed how long my hair was getting and how it framed my face well. “Holy cow, I look good,” I thought to myself, despite the fact that I was not wearing any makeup. I also happened to notice my progress from working out at the gym regularly, so I felt good thinking that about myself.
After browsing through the women’s clothing section, I had no luck in finding something I’d want to wear, so I went to the jewelry section for a change.
Just to tell you, I’m a simple gal who owns a lot of jewelry yet only wears a few pieces. So for me to be here, I thought I’d be wasting time but I actually picked up a new staple that I’ll add onto my collection. I guess it’ll go hand in hand with who I’m becoming lately—a more confident and joyful woman who is 100% more sure of herself.
Honestly, I don’t know why I went to the grocery section afterwards. My intention was to not even head in that department but something caught my eye. In the corner of the area, I saw bright yellow chrysanthemums laid out to be picked. As I got closer, I heard a voice tell me, “Buy them.” And in my heart I felt a smile grew out from it. It sounds weird, but I felt as if I needed to pick out the prettiest bunch and hold it close to me.
Walking towards the check out aisle and holding these lovely flowers close to me, again I felt as if I was joy itself and people were catching onto this happiness.
The cashier kindly greeted me, proceeded to do her job, and off I went to head back home.
I began to cry happily after I got into my car, not knowing why, and I heard a voice say, “In this season of singleness, you’ll find yourself content in all that you do. You bought those flowers because it represents the state of bloom you’re in. Enjoy it.”
As a sign of gratitude in my life, another song in my playlist began to play that reminded me of this happy season. Hearing the lyrics from “Everlasting Song” by Brandon Bee reminded me of where I was brought out from back in my lonely times as a high schooler. To hear the lyrics once again and harmonizing to its melody, I felt an instant connection of what it truly meant to be in bliss while adventuring.
Like I’ve mentioned before, adventure is not only about going to some unknown place and discovering what’s out there, adventure is all around and everywhere. It is where your heart needs to be set out for that you’ll find on your own.
And although this might not be considered an adventure to you, for me it was a reminder of my journey walking along with joy following close behind. I am finding myself to be immersed more and more in what it truly means to be happy. This joy I feel isn’t something that can be easily found, but it is definitely something worth discovering. Once you find it, it’s something you don’t want to let go of.
To say the least, I’ve found the source of my joy and it’s been with me all along. Just this time it’s been awakened from a deep slumber inside. And while I’m explaining this to you, I feel as if someone will want to find their source of happiness as well.
This I’ll tell you—listen to your heart, ride with the waves, and keep close attention to yourself. Happiness is out there; it’s not found in a person or in a thing, it’s found diving deep in the trenches of your heart. That joy you’re looking for, it’s there.
If you keep heart and pursue what you’ve always wanted to go after, you’ll find it.
Maybe you don’t believe in God or perhaps you do, but this I’ll tell you: He made it easier for me to find. In Him, I’ve discovered He’s the adventure worth going after. After all, He’s my source of happiness and my reason to live for, and He can be yours too. Just get out there, make it intentional, and live.
Don’t settle on the fact that it will come when things are going right, bliss and adventure can be found anywhere.
Just be present.
Breathe.
And appreciate the little things.
Go after it, and enjoy it.
xoxo,
Emily.