'No app for this'

Are you living a good life, yet feel something’s missing? Tired of the same old, same old? Ready for something more adventurous, but not sure what? Well, I’ve got a suggestion for you.

If you want to create memories of fascinating experiences, find yourself face to face with unusual animals who just don’t care that you’re there gawking at them and widen your lens on life itself, consider taking a trip to the Galapagos Islands.

Yes, my husband, Ron, and I just returned from a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site. These volcanic islands, 525 miles west of Ecuador, are best known for being a “living laboratory of evolution.” Darwin’s visit to the islands in 1835 reinforced his theory of evolution by natural selection, which rocked the prevailing beliefs of the time.

What is it like to view wildlife that brings to mind not a trip to a zoo or a Natural Geographic documentary, but an over-the-top Spielberg production: (No, this can’t be real!)

What is it like to view islands that have emerged some 10 to 15 million years ago, yet are still in their natural state with no man-made structure to disrupt their primordial beauty?

What’s it like to snorkel in crystal clear turquoise water with stunning rock formations, brilliantly colored fish and playful sea lions?

My answer: Exhilarating! Enlivening! Out-of-this world!

So, let me pose a question to you? Might you ponder the possibility of taking such a trip? Or are you thinking, this can’t be for me. I’m not an adventurer. Or, I’m not in great shape. Or, it’s so far away. Or, I’m worried about all the things that might go wrong. Rather than go with your worries, however, consider the possibilities of what it might mean to you if your life had richer  texture and color.

In today’s world, we're used to much of our excitement emanating from virtual activity. Wow, the new iPad! Wow, a new app! Though these technological advances are indeed exciting, virtual hubbub fades quickly, as we accommodate to the latest and greatest innovation with lightening speed.  

If your adventurous nature has been in e-reality for longer than you care to admit, consider trading in an armchair adventure for a real life experience. Consider saying “yes” to a thrill-seeking activity that has nothing to do with sex, drugs, rock and roll or technology.

Copyright 2010

Linda Sapadin, Ph.D. is a psychologist and success coach who specializes in helping people enrich their lives, enhance their relationships and overcome self-defeating patterns of behavior. Contact her at lsapadin@drsapadin.com or visit her website at http://www.psychwisdom.com.

To learn about her new “Beat Procrastination E-Program” (think: Empowering)  for college, graduate and aspiring college students, go to www.AcademicProcrastination.com