At the District Toastmasters conference John Rich gave an
inspiring talk
in which he asked how many of us have experienced obstacles in our lives.
Everyone raised their hands. He said he has not—he has only experienced
adventures. At some levels his advice is sophistry. If you break your leg,
it may be a learning experience and cause you to appreciate your leg more,
but it still hurts and it still slows you down. If you can believe that life
is an adventure, you will be a happier, more resilient person.
For most of us, however, it is too big of a leap. Also,
seeing every obstacle
as an adventure may lead to foolhardiness. Indeed Mr. Rich described a
coast to coast bicycle trip in which trips to the hospital for a broken foot
and for kidney stones did not stop him.
What if you ask yourself, "What about that broken leg is an
adventure?
a learning experience? a challenge? increases my appreciation of what I have?"
Your mind is question driven. Ask it a question and your brain does it best to
come up with an answer. The result? Your are more inclined to see the adventure.
Not only does it prompt you to be happier and more resilient. It makes life more
fun.
A life without adventure is
likely to be unsatisfying, but a life in which adventure
is allowed to take whatever form it will is sure to be short.
~Bertrand Russell
An adventure is only an
inconvenience rightly considered.
An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered.
~Gilbert Chesterton
Obstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle yields to stern resolve.
He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind.
~Leonardo da
Vinci
I've got to give U-Hall credit for truth in advertising.
Their slogan is "Adventures in Moving." ~Mike Brickey
[Being taken hostage is] an adventure for the tourist,
because the tourist
will end up learning about the customs of the tribes as well as their good
hospitality.
~Abdullah Ahmar, speaker of the Yemeni Parliament
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Anti-Aging
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"Dr. Michael Brickey, The Anti-Aging Psychologist, teaches people to think, feel, look and be more youthful. He is an inspiring keynote speaker and Oprah-featured author. His works include: Defy Aging, 52 Baby Steps to grow young, and Reverse Aging (anti-aging hypnosis CDs). Visit www.NotAging.com for a free report on anti-aging secrets and a free newsletter with practical anti-aging tips."