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If this sounds like you, it’s time to shake things up ! Trying new things can for sure be daunting. The unfamiliar makes us nervous in a way that’s hard to describe. The act of leaving our comfort zone puts us in a vulnerable position, and leaves us with an onslaught of questions running through our heads. We ask ourselves: “Should I be doing this? Can I do this? Do I look stupid? What am I doing!?” While it may not feel like it, this is normal—and it’s good. All too often we let fear stop us. But pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones is actually good for us. Trying new things not only helps us to vanquish those fears, but it also allows us to expand our minds and learn—both about said new thing, and about ourselves.And then there’s the rush. There’s nothing quite like—or as memorable as—the thrill of a new experience. In fact, as reported by TIME speaking with psychologist Rich Walker, who looked at countless event memories: “People who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions and minimize negative ones than people who have fewer experiences.”
But first, let’s be clear what we mean by wonder. Usually, it is the emotional response felt when exposed to natural wonders, panoramic views, spiritual experiences, inspiring music, compelling art, or anything that defies one’s habitual way of thinking. That emotion often triggers feelings of elation, freedom, expansiveness and even transcendence. Being open to new adventures and experience will feed your sense of wonder.
Generally when people think of a “bucket list,” they think of all the things that they want to do or experience throughout their entire life, before they ‘kick the bucket’ While we encourage you to create your own bucket list, wed also recommend you to set goals to experience and accomplish on a smaller scale. Focus on experiencing something every day, every week, every month and every year. We cannot wait for the right moment to experience life. We have to create the right moments and experience life. As you create your bucket list, be sure to make your family your top priority. You can have all the experiences the world has to offer, but if you don’t get to share them with those closest to you, they will be empty. Make your travel goals a priority. Even small gains towards accomplishing something on your bucket list are still getting you closer to your adventure goals.
A simpler path to experience greater fulfillment is through play. Carving out play time is down time where we pursue hobbies, interests, and other outlets, and research shows numerous psychological benefits to having such leisure time. For instance, it helps us emotionally by detaching from the seriousness of life. It helps connect us with others who share common interests and gives us a sense of autonomy because we’re doing what we want to do. If you want to start small, this is a good step, because it doesn’t require lifestyle change, just prioritization.
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The latest local updates, river-riding recollections, and advice on how to come prepared for the experience of a lifetime.
