The Secrets Behind an Adventurous Lifestyle: A Post on Creating Time

I have a lot of people ask me the same question: how do you find the time? And I must confess there is no secret here… I do not have an endless supply of money, nor do I have an endless amount of weekends. Bottom Line: I create the time I need to do the things I want to do. Partly, it's my constant yearning for something new, and a big desire for inspiration - I make time for this. Work and responsibility are a common denominator in all of our lives, there's no avoiding reality. Though I think it's true we have more time than we think. Think of how much of it you spend scrolling through Instagram? Watching videos on Facebook? Reading your horoscope on Snapchat? Now take all that time on social media and use it to seize something rivetting. It’s as easy as catching the sunset after work, or rising early for a sunrise on Sunday morning, walking somewhere instead of driving. The small efforts you make to see these things will gradually result in a more beautiful, rich, and abundant lifestyle. Here are 4 easy steps to getting more out of your week.

1. Find your Inspiration

I am constantly searching for places to see and things to do, and I have been pleasantly surprised to find there is never a shortage of wonderful cities, mountains, or beaches to spend my time.  Before I go to sleep, I make a habit out of gathering inspiration for my tomorrow.  I search exactly what I want to see just by scrolling through my explore page on Instagram, Tumblr, even exploring different blogs and travel websites. There is SO much content out there to get you inspired for a satisfying week.

2. Make a list

Don't be afraid to write things down. Create a list of all the places you want to see and everything you want to do. Keep it realistic, your list should contain objectives that are easily achievable on the weekends. Slowly, begin checking off the items you have accomplished. You will find by simply crossing things off, it will continue to build the inspiration you need to see what's next. My list is never ending, and probably because each adventure brings ideas for new journeys and new destinations.    

3. Aim Small

Be realistic in your endeavors. Obviously if you have a limited time to explore, don't waste the entire day in a car only to spend an hour at your destination before it gets dark. I've made this mistake far too many times. Aim too big, and you see less. Aim small, and you see more. It can be as easy as stepping into that coffee shop you've been dying to try, or going on that hike you've always wanted to do, even turning down a road that has always caught your attention. If you make small steps, you will find grand adventures.    

4. Unplug

This is the hardest one for me. Where is the line between worthy documentation of an experience and unplugging yourself enough to be present in the moment? I think it's different with every trip. Sometimes it's valuable to take hundreds of photos and videos - to create art out of what you see. Though often we lose the essence of a moment by trying too hard to capture it. You're in the driver's seat, and that decision will come naturally based on wherever you find yourself physically and emotionally. Learning how to discern between each approach will be a valuable asset in your future endeavors.   

The Takeaway....

I hope you’ve gained something valuable from my list of tips and tricks. If I had it my way I would be traveling all over the world… I would be in far-away places and remote locations journaling and meeting new people every day. But I’ve learned that adventure is something we can manifest within the construct of any lifestyle. Adventure is a choice, and not so much a season in our lives that comes and goes. I make time for what I find riveting and fulfilling, and it’s the best gift I’ve ever given myself. 

XX, Anna | @annavatuone