Blog Post: Adventure

I’m a runner.

I try and run at least four to five times a week, and have specific routes and distances that I run. Depending on the day and amount of time I have, I knock out between three and five miles.

The other morning, I woke up while everyone in my house was asleep. I drank two cups of coffee, laced up my shoes, grabbed my headphones and headed out early, as I do most weekend mornings before the Texas sun becomes unbearable.

My route was set. The amount of time for my run was planned. I had many tasks to move onto the remainder of the day. But something felt different.

A little voice was telling me to break up the routine. Instead of turning right per usual, I turned left and decided to see where my route took me. I ran a completely new course, explored a new neighborhood, and ran one more mile than I originally planned.

I don’t know what it was  – the unexpected route. The extra distance. My faster pace per mile. The new surroundings. But it set the tone for the rest of the day. I was energized and felt accomplished. I tackled my list of daily tasks with an extra spring in my step and realized that stepping out of my comfort zone….my usual routine…even on something seemingly as minor as my running route, was much-needed, and long overdue. It was a little piece of unexpected adventure that broke up the monotony of my predicted daily path. It was something different. And it completely recharged me.

Task yourself with this:

 Do one thing differently today. Just one.

It doesn’t have to be anything big or life-altering. Eat ice cream before dinner. Drive a different route. Try a new restaurant. Call someone you haven’t talked to in a long time. Do something to break up your normal routine.

See how you feel after you do this, and make it a regular habit. Recharge yourself.  You’ll be glad you did.