I touch down back in Arkansas after two weeks abroad and while I'm excited to see my dogs, nothing else about my home state feels thrilling compared to the adventures my wife and I just had in Switzerland.
We spent two weeks hiking through the Alps, exploring medieval castles, eating our weight in chocolate, and enjoying traditional Swiss fare like rösti and . We walked 10-20 miles a day, all the while Googling question after question about this new-to-us culture we were immersing ourselves in.
As we wait outside the airport for my sister to pick us up, I ponder why certain people, places, and things seem boring to some and exciting to others. In reflecting, I realize that it wasn't the novelty, foreign language, or even the natural beauty of the place that made it exciting; it was because Joenelle and I told ourselves we were on an adventure.
I am not so naive to try and convince you that all you have to do is tell yourself you're on an adventure and life will all of a sudden be exhilarating. However, there are three things that Joenelle and I did consistently while traveling that we will strive to carry on in our everyday life here in Arkansas.
Ask Questions and Seek Answers
While in Switzerland we spent most of the time traveling on trains asking Chat or Google about things we were seeing. Why is food so expensive in Switzerland? How do they build funiculars through mountains? What is an Alphorn?
We've only lived in Arkansas for two years and there is tons I don't know about the state and my community. When was my town founded? Who settled it first? What was the original purpose of this building? Why did they put a park here?
People believe that familiarity brings boredom. In fact, it's quite the opposite- the more we know the more questions we'll have. The more we wonder, the more wonder there is in the world.
Play Games
Joenelle and I would try and make songs out of the ring of cowbells in the mountains, guess what our fellow train travelers did for work, and give voices to the many mannequins we saw in museums and shops around the country. While silly, it anchored those memories for us and allowed us to blend our personalities with the general experience provided for the masses.
We also took advantage of the board games that many restaurants and cafes offered for free to their patrons. Games are universal, provide opportunity for risk, and gives us hits of dopamine when we win.
Talk to Strangers
Among the locals that took the time to explain directions, bits of culture, or menu items to us, Jo and I actually ended up sharing meals and drinks with other touring couples on two separate occasions simply because we weren't afraid to talk to strangers. There aren't many things in this world more exciting than new friends.
If life feels mundane and you are blaming where you live, what you do for work, or any other external circumstance, try taking the reigns of your own excitement and see where the path leads.
Fact
Smartphone addiction is associated with higher levels of boredom, anxiety, and loneliness.
Action
Write down three things you don't know about your home community. Go find the answers.
Question
When was the last time you played a game?
Quote
"You don't need a lot in this life. Most people just want to read a good book, eat good food, and feel like they belong."
- Julius; Barkeep at the Smallest Bar in the World; Zermatt, Switzerland
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