Microadventures: the joy’s in the journey

“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it.” — Greg Anderson.

I know what you’re thinking, “That’s quite a quote from the guitarist of the doom-stoner metal band Goatsnake.” Then again, you might think it’s also much easier for him to find joy in traffic jams on his journey, as he’s in one of those lush air-conditioned tour busses, which is actually closer to a rolling house than the cramped metal box you usually travel in.

No, arriving at my destination and receiving a cup of tea is far better than being stuck in traffic en route. So surprise surprise, the aged rocker isn’t always right. But there is something in what he says.

(Please note I have no idea which Greg Anderson said the above quote, but I’m choosing to believe it was Greg Anderson the rocker, and that he said it on stage in a smoke-filled bar while having a heart-to-heart with the audience.)

So in what ways do I agree with our rockstar? Well, whilst out and about, you might come across a microadventure which could add a little excitement to an otherwise pretty ordinary journey. Take our day trip to Sidmouth, South Devon last week for example. While wandering along the coastal path, we discovered a microadventure. We could stay on the path, as most people do, or we could nip over the low wall and make our own path along the massive boulders forming the breakwater (a form of coastal protection) by the water’s edge.

Needless to say we discovered real joy in the journey. We found all sorts of treasures — driftwood, crabs, limpets — we wouldn’t have found otherwise. And yes, we did get a little splashed by the waves, but a beach trip’s not a beach trip without getting a bit wet! I love clambering up rocks, especially barefoot. There’s something so natural and adventurous about it. I think it takes me back to my childhood of running round the garden barefoot, building dens, climbing trees. It was a good time. Happy memories.

When you start looking, there are plenty of microadventures that the child in you is itching to go on. Will you walk up the stairs or scramble up the slope next to them? Is a wall something to walk next to or balance on? So I urge you, keep your eyes open for opportunities and see just how much fun you can have on your journeys. If you’ve been on any microadventures recently, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!