While working in one of the grocery stores this past year, I was stopped by a custom wanting to locate an item she could not find. I had only been in this grocery store for a couple of weeks, and it was much larger than the one I came from. When asked if I could help her I responded, “Sure, I have recently transferred to this store and I am not sure I know exactly where it is. Let’s go on an adventure and find it together.” She chuckled and said, “Sure.” I knew the category the item was in, so I knew which aisle to look on. Soon we found her item. As the customer was thanking me for my assistance and fun, the store manager walked up. The manager asked if everything was ok, and the customer responded with a smile, “Yes, we just finished an adventure.” Manager gave us a funny look. The customer went on the tell how I had assisted in finding the item she was looking for and the fun we had in locating the item. The manager was not sure of the response, but was glad the customer was happy.
There was nothing extra ordinary about this journey of looking for a can of food on the shelf, other than the perspective. A simple word changed looking for a common item to an adventure that was fun.
When we are younger we dream of different adventures. Going on a search for lost treasure. Visiting the seven wonders of the world or another country. A trip to space or climbing a tall mountain. Parachuting or bungie jumping. The list can be endless. But when we start living our lives, we are hampered by time at work, family responsibilities, and sometimes just living life. Those old adventures become a bucket list.
One of my favorite places to visit for an adventure is the local nurseries. I love plants and flowers. I do not go there to purchase, but see what wonderous blooms are now available for our climate. Spring is always the best time to see and learn of new plants at the nursery.
Visiting other places and countries was a dream I had when younger, but my finances do not allow for trips of that nature. But there is a way I can still see those places, most obvious is through the internet. My favorite way of visiting those places is via the local libraries. With so many resources available through electronic devices, even our phones, libraries are not thought of much. But they hold a world of information in books. Big picture books of places to see and things to learn. Perhaps a new author to read the works of, or learning how to do a new hobby. Resources can be found in a library. In our area, libraries are the places to go to learn the history of the area. Not just the history of events, but of the families who settled the area. Where they came from, what they did and the accomplishments of them and their offspring can be searched through the library genealogy sections.
Adventures start with us stepping out of our comfortable routines and exploring something new. There are times, my husband and I just drive a different longer path back home from the store, just to see new things, mostly new homes, but all the same a different view.
Take a moment to ponder the possibilities of a new adventure in 2025. What would you like to learn? Do you know of all the parks close to your home? What local shop or museum have you not seen? Is there a new food truck you have not tasted the cuisine of? Have you taken a moment to see the stars or watch the birds.
A new year has arrived, what adventure could be waiting for you to discover?
Amtolle
Me, Myself and I 