Adventure awaits

Hello, fellow thinker!

We are one week away from embarking on our three-week trip to Cyprus and Tukey and I’m only getting more excited about it. But I wanted to tell you about another adventure I had, one that didnt require me to fly anywhere; It was a trip to the greatest city in the world, New York City. Let me tell you about a little adventure I had.

Sometimes, we all need a little adventure to break the monotony of our daily routines. Recently, my daughter Jasmine and I decided to turn an ordinary walk around our neighborhood into an impromptu exploration. What began as a simple stroll quickly transformed into a memorable adventure that lifted our spirits and brought us closer together. We explored various restaurants, stores, and hidden nooks that we had never taken the time to notice before. Though some doors were closed, it didn't dampen our excitement. Instead, we ventured down a dead-end street, curious to see what lay beyond. To our surprise, we discovered...more closed doors! But hey, at least the adventure was still on!

This adventure with Jasmine reminded me of another journey I undertook last year. At the time, I was feeling a sense of emptiness that came from having long abstained from liquor and the fun activities that used to fill my days. I felt bored and didn't know how to occupy myself. Inspired by the book "Do Hard Things," which suggests doing something really hard that doesn't kill you, I decided to tackle a physically demanding challenge to lift my spirits. So, I embarked on a long walk from my house in Queens all the way to Central Park in Manhattan and then back. Little did I know, my feet were plotting a rebellion halfway through.

Along the way, I marveled at the diversity of neighborhoods I passed through: Asian, Hispanic, Jewis, and so many more. I saw churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques, all reflecting the rich tapestry of cultures in New York. It was like a world tour without the jet lag!

As I walked, I listened to audiobooks and podcasts but was mostly captivated by the journey itself. I reached the 59th Street Bridge after about three hours, where I met a woman from Ireland. She was visiting her brother, and we decided to cross the bridge together, sharing a pleasant conversation. After reaching the other side, we parted ways, and I continued to Central Park, enjoying the beautiful weather. I took a 30-minute nap in the middle of a baseball field, which was refreshing...until I woke up to a group of squirrels having a heated debate over a leftover peanut nearby.

Waking up with sore legs, I got a 20-minute foot massage, which helped me continue my journey. I took a ferry from Manhattan to Queens, and while walking through Astoria, I noticed an antique store with a guitar in the window. Coincidentally, I had been thinking about getting a guitar for Jasmine to practice playing. It felt like a sign from the universe, so I placed a deposit to come back and pick it up later.

On the way home, my muscles started tightening, and my knee tendon felt strained. To avoid the pain, I jogged part of the way, which only increased my thirst and hunger. By the time I got home, I felt like I had walked through the Sahara desert...minus the camels. Exhausted, I immediately took a refreshing shower. I told my family about the trip and how amazing it was to see so many beautiful and diverse parts of New York. We all got in the car, picked up the guitar from Astoria, and visited a new park I had discovered. It was an amazing family outing, filled with fun and bonding. Despite my sore legs, I felt accomplished, invigorated, and recharged.

Ironically, when I brought the guitar home, Jasmine played it a little bit but ultimately wasn't interested in picking it up. However, my son Benjamin took to it. We gave him some lessons, and he has been attending the School of Rock, where he has gotten quite good at playing the guitar. My wife jokes that musical talent must skip a generation since my father was very talented, I wasn't so much, and now Benjamin seems to have a great deal of it.

Both adventures, one with Jasmine and one inspired by her, reminded me of the power of exploration and discovery. Adventures don't have to be meticulously planned; sometimes, you just need to open yourself up to new possibilities and experiences. Whether it's a walk around the neighborhood or a trek across the city, embracing adventure can lift your mood and bring joy to your life.

Until next time, keep exploring and stay curious.

Links to stuff:

1. Do Hard Things, Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness

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Keep thinking, my friends!

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