Adventure is the name of the 2024 game – at least for me.
I believe in setting intentions and choosing a word or two for the year rather than resolutions. It’s about bringing a mindset into everything I do. Resolutions tend to go by the wayside come February. When I want to make changes in how I live my life, I start with attitude!
Enter “Adventure”!
I’m not going to lie – I am a planner. A reserved planner at that. And yet…I still love a good adventure. After all, think about the stories you retell most. Don’t they often have a measure of unpredictability to them? Things went crazy or you let yourself go with the flow? Some of my biggest life changes started with some significant risks involved and still turned out to be the best thing I could have done.
I am committed to bringing that sense of adventure to my life in big and small ways this year. The biggest difference between adventure and adversity is attitude! Not that I want to run headlong into bad situations and try to call it adventure.
I want to shift my “oh no, what now?” reactions to “oh, this is interesting!”. I feel like the best way to practice that is to put myself in the way of adventure.
And of course, bring you along!
Micro Adventure Lab
I’ve put together a curated list of Micro Adventures – plus a few bigger things – to ease into the mindset shift. Many of these adventures are free or low cost with a few splurges included. Some can be completed in one weekend and others are designed to carry forward through a few weeks or even become a habit.
The idea is to go a bit outside your norms. For example, the first adventure on the list is to explore a local park. That means check out a park you have never been to before, not the same one you walk your dog at 3 times a week. In a nutshell, discover something new!
The 52 Micro Adventure list
1. Explore a Local Park:
Take a leisurely stroll through a nearby park, focusing on appreciating the natural surroundings.
2. Photography Challenge:
Capture a series of 10 photos that highlight the beauty of your everyday surroundings.
3. Volunteer at a Community Garden:
Spend a day planting, weeding, and connecting with local community members.
4. Try a New Recipe:
Experiment with a cuisine you’ve never attempted before, and share the results with friends or family.
5. Book Club Adventure:
Join a local book club or start one with friends, and commit to reading one book a month.
6. Yoga Retreat at Home:
Dedicate a weekend to practicing yoga and mindfulness, using online resources or attending local classes.
7. Outdoor Movie Night:
Arrange a backyard movie night with friends, complete with blankets, popcorn, and a classic film.
8. Art Class or Workshop:
Sign up for a local art class or workshop to discover and develop your artistic talents.
9. Day of Pampering:
Treat yourself to a spa day at home, complete with DIY face masks, bath salts, and relaxation.
10. Local History Exploration:
Visit a nearby museum or historical site to learn more about the heritage of your community.
11. Learn a Musical Instrument:
Pick up a budget-friendly instrument and commit to learning a few songs over the next month.
12. Creative Writing Challenge:
Write a short story or poem and share it with a writing group or online platform.
13. Beach Day Getaway:
Spend a day at the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the calming sound of the waves.
14. Hiking Adventure:
Explore a local trail or nature reserve, aiming to complete a new hike each month.
15. DIY Home Decor Project:
Refresh your living space by taking on a small DIY home decor project.
16. Plant a Garden:
Cultivate a small garden, whether it’s flowers, herbs, or vegetables, and enjoy watching it flourish.
17. Mindfulness Meditation Challenge:
Practice mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes daily for a week, gradually extending the duration.
18. Explore Local Farmers’ Markets:
Discover and support local farmers by visiting nearby farmers’ markets.
19. Host a Potluck Dinner:
Organize a potluck gathering with friends, encouraging everyone to bring their favorite dish.
20. Cultural Cuisine Night:
Cook or order food from a different culture and enjoy a themed dinner night at home.
21. Learn a Dance Style:
Take dance lessons, either in person or online, and master the basics of a new dance style.
22. Picnic in the Park:
Pack a picnic basket with your favorite treats and spend a relaxing afternoon in a local park.
23. Nature Sketching:
Bring a sketchbook to a nature spot and spend time sketching the beauty around you.
24. DIY Craft Workshop:
Attend a local craft workshop or organize a crafting day with friends.
25. Fitness Challenge:
Set a fitness goal, like walking a certain number of steps each day, and track your progress.
26. Museum Exploration:
Visit a museum you’ve never been to before and immerse yourself in its exhibits.
27. Mindful Eating Experiment:
Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite and paying attention to the flavors and textures.
28. Local Theater Night:
Attend a local theater production or watch a live performance, supporting the arts in your community.
29. Scenic Drive Adventure:
Take a scenic drive to a nearby town or countryside and explore the sights along the way.
30. DIY Spa Day:
Create a spa day at home, complete with DIY facial masks, bath salts, and soothing music.
31. Learn a New Language:
Dedicate 10 minutes each day to learning a new language using language learning apps.
32. Sunset Photography Challenge:
Capture the beauty of sunsets in different locations over the course of a month.
33. Explore a New Coffee Shop:
Discover a new local coffee shop and treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon with a good book.
34. Declutter and Donate:
Declutter your living space and donate items to a local charity or thrift store.
35. Art Gallery Visit:
Spend a day exploring local art galleries and appreciating the creativity of local artists.
36. Cooking Class:
Join a cooking class, either in person or online, to enhance your culinary skills.
37. Creative Journaling:
Start a creative journal, incorporating art, writing, and reflections on your daily experiences.
38. Birdwatching Adventure:
Explore a nearby nature reserve or park and observe the diverse bird species in the area.
39. Mind-Body Connection Workshop:
Attend a workshop or class that focuses on the mind-body connection, such as yoga or tai chi.
40. Stargazing Night:
Spend an evening stargazing, either in your backyard or at a local observatory.
41. DIY Flower Arranging:
Purchase fresh flowers and learn the art of flower arranging to create beautiful bouquets.
42. Visit a Farmers’ Market:
Explore a local farmers’ market, sampling fresh produce and supporting local farmers.
43. Online Learning Adventure:
Enroll in an online course or workshop on a topic that interests you.
44. Wine Tasting Evening:
Arrange a wine tasting evening with friends, each bringing a bottle to share and discuss.
45. Learn a New Language:
Use an app or program to get started or sign up for a class at a local community college.
46. Local Yoga Retreat:
Book a yoga retreat in a nature-filled location, focusing on relaxation and mindfulness.
47. Learn to Knit or Crochet:
Pick up knitting or crocheting and create a cozy scarf or blanket over the next month.
48. Walking Meditation Challenge:
Practice walking meditation daily for a week, focusing on each step taken.
49. Explore a New Hobby:
Find some time to dedicate to exploring a new hobby, whether it’s painting, pottery, or photography.
50. DIY Movie Marathon:
Choose a theme and host a movie marathon night at home with friends or family.
51. Visit a Botanical Garden:
Spend a day exploring the beauty of a local botanical garden and learning about different plant species.
52. Hot Air Balloon Ride:
Splurge on a hot air balloon ride for a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
What’s on YOUR adventure list?
I’ve included things that appeal to me, but what about you? What would you put on this list?
Even when times are tough, money is tight, and time is scarce, you can carve out some time to explore and expand your world. It’s part of what makes you well, you. Learning, experiencing and growing are all key elements to leading a fulfilling life.
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