Fear or Adventure

So when does fear step in to protect us and when does it prevent us from having a grand adventure?

Some people seem more, "fearless" or more, " adventurous". But, are adventurous people so fearless that they by-pass the protection that a little fear blankets them?Is fear missing for self preservation?

It is great to have adventure and explore fun new places, new ways to physically push yourself or even challenge the elements of nature. When we don't let fear stand in our path, a new door opens to adventure. Are these people having more fun and thrills or are the ones who get physically injured? Maybe both?

To having a little fear to help the mind way out and play the common sense card. Thinking through the possibilities does put a limit on the end of fun. There is a balance. We can't be afraid to try new things yet, doing it with a little caution and common sense.

Today would have been my dad's 90th birthday, he was an icon for living an adventurous life! His spirit soared with passion and a zest for life. Dad was always ready to seek new places, try new things, push himself to the physical part and find a thrill. So is the passion for the thrill clouding the judgement of fear? At 89 and for several of his later years while he smiled at new adventures, sometimes thrill clouded his judgement. Its good to not let aging stand in your way, but we all have limitations, when does thrill superseed the mind of reality and knowing your limits?

Fear does actually hold us back to protect us physically. Find the balance; a little caution on one side and not diving into the water before I know how deep, cold and how many rocks are below. Facing your fears and find the adventure with a little advance preparation. Check out before diving in. Preparing for weather, changes in weather, road conditions, and knowing the terrain is a good thing. Physically prepare yourself, don't climb the mountain if you have not prepared and trained your body to make the physical challenge. Athletes don't sit around until race day then expect to win or even complete the challenge.

There are mountains and trails awaiting and calling my name, I hear it in the wind. When my day comes to climb that mountain I will be ready with prepping my body daily with waling workouts, researching the area ahead, packing my 10 essentials incase conditions change or that unforseen emergency arises.

So, venture out, have a little fun, challenge yourself but do it with a little fear to help remember the common sense and then go enjoy!

Happy birthday Dad and wonderful memories of a life time of adventures we shared.

All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.

-T.E. Lawrence