This post originally appeared on Dirtbag Darling, where I am a Wellness and Travel contributor.
Adventure seekers crave to experience new places. When you know that this way of living is temporary, it’s easier to feel comfortable with the unknown.
What if adventure-seeking is something that you want as a lifestyle? What if you want to live this way every day?
Feeling uncomfortable with going into the unknown for an extended period of time isn’t going to work because adventure-seeking is meant to be filled with joy and excitement. It’s important to feel grounded in new experiences and as comfortable within the unknown as you can so that you can fully enjoy them. Train your comfort muscle by practicing these four things on your next adventure.
Be Yourself
No matter where you are and how different it may be, what can remain consistent is how you show up for it. Be yourself by letting go of how you think you need to be, especially in the presence of others. Others will love that you are yourself because they can feel that authentic energy that you give off. When you are being yourself, it gives them the freedom to do the same. This will then create strong relationships and feelings of comfort, especially in a new situation.
Bring Something of Comfort With You
This could be an iPod with your favorite music on it, an empowering quote that you stick in your wallet, or a pillow that makes you fall asleep the minute your head hits the bed. For years I have always brought the same journal with me wherever I travel. Whether it’s a weekend trip up the coast or moving over seas, that journal is permanently attached to my Patagonia pack. I love knowing that when inspiration comes in, or I need to express myself, I have that journal sitting there waiting for me. Most of the time I don’t even reach for it, but knowing that it’s there and that it’s been with me on my favourite adventures gives me a feeling that all is good.
Know Your Boundaries
Take note if there are things that are a requirement for you to feel comfortable. For me that means knowing where I am going to sleep at night during my adventures. I know that this is a necessary thing for me to feel comfortable. I also know that if I have that peace of mind, I feel free to go out and be as fearless or adventurous as I want during the day. Knowing what you are comfortable with allows you to feel somewhat in control of your comfort scale which then allows you to loosen the grips about other things. Together this will create an incredible adventure.
Take on A New Perspective
It’s natural for us to get a bit uncomfortable when things are new or unknown. When you remember that within the unknown anything is possible, it helps you to realise that anything can be created from the new experience. Meeting new people can bring about exciting opportunities, and new places can allow creative inspiration to arise. By changing your perspective about what “new” means, it allows you to see something new, or unknown, as an opportunity for growth and endless possibilities. The easiest way to do this is to decide to choose this perspective. Make up your mind to go towards that new adventure believing that anything is possible. You don’t need to know how you will have this perspective; the act of agreeing that you will see things differently puts it into motion. As soon as you change your belief about what the unknown means to you, things will come in that match your positive outlook. The more you take on this perspective, the more you will notice that when things seem unknown, you will start to automatically feel excited rather than uncomfortable.
Have you had an experience of being comfortable while trying something new?
