Quote of the Week

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Helen Keller

In order to have daring adventures, one must embrace the unknown and take risks. When planning a trip, do you plan out every day and every stop? Or do you allow for spontaneity? Do you allow yourself to follow a whim? If you see a signpost to an unexpected sight, will you make the time to take the detour, even if it wasn’t on your itinerary?

According to Psychology Today, 68% who describe themselves as spontaneous felt more fulfilled than those who plan everything to the last detail. (I pulled this number from an article online. PT has a surprising number of articles on spontaneity, so it must be important!)

Spontaneity and detours ofter provide the most memorable sights, experiences, and memories of our lives. I once took a trip across the US with a boyfriend in his ’58 Chevy wagon. We traveled from coast to coast, zigzagging our way north and south when we heard of something interesting. I explored hidden hot springs and caves, off-the-tourist path Anasazi ruins, met interesting travelers in unexpected places and experienced things most people never get to experience.

And that’s only scratching the surface. Some of my best memories come from spontaneous detours in my life. When I reach the end, I want to be able to say that it was one hell of an adventure. What about you? Do you veer from the path or adhere?