Make life an adventure - Don't Be A Wage Slave

We are told, “I create my world. The quality of my thoughts determines the way I ultimately see life.” If this is so, then why not make life an adventure? Nothing is predetermined. All is possible — “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” (1) More importantly, I can move forward toward the reality I desire, the existence I want now and in the future, “given my givens.” (2)

It appears, however, that this way of thinking is often associated with a level of naïve pondering — the hopecore (3) concept of always looking at life in a positive way. But this is not the real trajectory of an adventure, is it? A journey is fraught — yes, fraught with success — but also with pain, suffering, and loss. It is full of endless endurance. That is what encapsulates a real and dangerous undertaking.

But what is your goal in life? “I don’t know” is often the response, especially when you are young. So how do I find my mission — my adventure? Firstly, I buy a notebook and began to write. When I was born, everything was within me, but it must be uncovered through study and introspection. If life is to be challenged and challenging, a deep study of the self is called for — and committing your thoughts to paper is of great assistance.

When we see an adventure in the movies, we are often struck by its bombastic beginning. Then comes the day-to-day tussles that produce a level of ennui not normally understood to be part of the journey. The voyage of Ferdinand Magellan, for example, as he circumnavigated the globe, took three years. Of the original 270 men who left Spain, only 18 returned — and he died en route. He did not return. (4)

If one were to actually document the routine struggles of the sailors — the lack of fruit, the monotony, debilitating scurvy, want of clean water, and non-existence of even basic hygiene — one would not be so enthralled with the romance. It is much the same for all of us, isn’t it?

At eighteen, I may claim that I want to lead a successful life. But this clashes with the reality of relationships, tedious work, and simply earning an income. It is here that the average person, without an eye cocked continuously toward the future, succumbs to the basic cruelty of life. The bitter old man or old woman never set out at the onset of consciousness to feel cheated by the circumstances of existence — but many times, this is the case. So what is one to do? How is one to forestall this pessimistic result?

At the onset of life, you must never dismiss the fact that today I am alive — but that may change in five minutes, one month, or ten years. One never knows where the end of one’s life lies. Therefore, I must begin on the path sooner rather than later. Perhaps I do not know where my ultimate goal lies — that is fair. I do, however, contain attributes associated with the sentience I want. For example, I want to be happy, physically healthy, and feel that my life ultimately has value. These then become important underpinnings for the life I choose to lead. I will not enter into a career that makes me unhappy, unhealthy, or valueless. That would certainly be produced by any rote or bureaucratic employment. Leave those jobs to the people who want safety and security. There are many, but not for the audacious.

Adventurous people have an inner dialogue that constantly pulls the strings of society forward and cocks an eye towards the immortality of ideas. “I want to do some good for our civilization” — this is an interior mandate. I will therefore not merely exist. I will thrive and give back. My experiences uncovered through a questioning life. The writer George Elio t (5) leaves us with a thought: Adventure is not outside man; it is within.

A closing thought: In Western history, one of our most iconic figures is Winston Churchill. (6) Though born into an aristocratic and powerful family, he thrust himself into many dangerous adventures, beginning with military service in India, the Sudan, and South Africa, eventually leading to his appointment as Prime Minister some forty years later.

His most difficult time was not facing an external enemy, but an internal demon. He was intensely private and thoughtful. After early successes, he found himself politically marginalized during the 1930s. Most individuals at that point would have retired to their estates, lived affluently, perhaps written memoirs, and awaited death.

Churchill did write — but did not abandon the political realm. In 1940, he became Prime Minister of Great Britain. Many believe he saved the Western world from defeat and tyranny through his drive and impassioned speeches. His most famous words include: “We shall fight on the beaches … we shall fight in the fields and in the streets … we shall never surrender.”

This is a reminder to all of us: no matter how you feel, never end the adventure until you have arrived home at the end of your physical life. Never surrender to your fears and anxieties. You can complete what you originally set out to do in your intrepid life.

To sum up: This week, we spoke about living an adventurous life.

To be noted: From Mark Twain — Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do… Explore. Dream. Discover.

Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWYrnLaNuJs&list=RDbWYrnLaNuJs&start_radio=1

For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OfcSWi-upE&t=405s

This week, on your adventurous walk, please ponder what a curious life means to your life.

Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.

Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!