It’s okay if you are over 40 and haven’t spent a lot of time adventuring and traveling. Life moves incredibly fast and chances are you’ve already squeezed quite an amazing story into the first part of your life anyway. At 42, I’ve done quite a bit of adventuring and traveling but after a hectic year and some time off I’ve realized how much I miss it and how desperately I want to get back to my adventures.
One thing I can say is that adventuring over 40 is a different game than when I was younger because I’ve learned …
Life really IS short
I’ve had a lot of tragedy and lost several family members this year and it really hit me how truly short life is. There may be no tomorrow so if there are things you are wanting to do, start making plans to DO THEM!
I’m much better at socializing
I have so many more life experiences to share and I’m so much more willing to share them, especially the stories that can possibly help someone else. I realized that even the parts of my life I’m not proud of can be shared to give insight to others.
The small things matter so much more to me
I’ve spent the last year repeatedly going through our house and purging those things that only take up space and cause clutter. If it doesn’t truly bring me joy, I get rid of it. There is just not enough room in our already busy and overwhelming lives for “junk”, whatever that might be. It’s the connections we make, the lives we touch and the beings we help.
I make better choices
My adventure now is so much more meaningful. I tend to travel for education or humanitarian purposes and if I do travel for the sheer fun of it, I always make a point of doing something along the way that is meaningful to others.
I no longer have to slum it
Sometimes I still throw out a sleeping bag and crash where I need to but at least now it’s because I choose to 🙂
It’s so nice being able to afford to stay in nicer places (when I choose to). Don’t get me wrong, just last year I threw a sleeping bag down in a field and slept in the open air all night but at least now I have the choice to stay someplace other than crowded hostels or un-secure tents.
