There’s this commencement speech written by Mary Schmich of the Chicago Tribune in 1997 called “Wear Sunscreen”. You’ve probably heard it. It was later recorded with background music, and I’ve heard it quoted at several graduation ceremonies over the years. If you are not familiar or need a dose of inspiration, have a listen here.
The words in this speech have had a lasting and powerful impact on my life. When the recorded version by Baz Luhrmann was released in 1999, I was a sophomore in college. I bought the CD and played it on repeat. I memorized the words, and it became my mantra. One line in particular resonated with me…”do one thing every day that scares you.”
This statement became my personal challenge. Over the years, it became habit. Some days the “scary thing” is as simple as publishing a blog post for others to read?. Other days it is as monumental as moving to Minnesota to follow my heart. When I’m strugglig with fear, I often find myself subconsciously repeating Ms. Schmich’s powerful words.
Earlier this week, I had such a day. I was planning on bicycling with my two-year old to the post office. Sounds like a pretty mundane task, huh? For some reason, I kept putting it off. It was getting later and later in the day, and I was about to scratch it off the list of “things to do”. While I stood, pen hovering to cross it out, I paused long enough to hear that little inner voice say “do one thing every day that scares you.”
What about biking to the post office scared me? I had to stop and think about it. Well, first off all, the trip to the post office requires two major intersection crossings. Second, this would be the longest distance I had travelled with Nora in the bike trailer. And finally…I had never done it before. Yep, there is was; this last one was the real reason.
We are creatures of habit. Stepping outside our comfort zone is scary! But, we only grow when we make that step. The best things in life come on the other side of fear. (Yes, I am aware that every sentence in this paragraph was poached from an inspirational poster. Who am I to compete with office art?)
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” There that voice was again. We strapped on our bike helmets and off we went.
As I peddled along the path, I recited the entirety of “Wear Sunscreen” in my head. I’m telling ya, you should click on the link and have a listen. It really is good for the soul.
I then started thinking about the power of stepping over our fears and how closely fear, risk and adventure are related. It’s the reason I am such an advocate for adventure and why I want my children to have a love for it.
Adventure is a training ground for taking calculated risks and moving past fear.
The power of every day adventure is that you become conditioned. You go on bigger adventures and take bigger risks. You learn that the unknown is hardly ever as scary as you’ve envisioned it. You learn that the “what if’s” you worry over rarely happen and when they do, you learn that you can handle it. You start to recognize your fears and develop strategies to overcome it. You grow. Yep, I want my children to love adventure.
So, how’d that bike ride go?
After having some deep thoughts (see above) and mentally playing “the Rocky song” in my head because I was so pleased with myself, I realized Nora was sound asleep behind me in the trailer. We made it to the post office without issue and had fish crackers and juice boxes in the park. Nora’s words while we enjoyed our snack….”today is the best day, Mama.”
I am now planning an overnight family biking trip this summer. See- adventure begets bigger adventures.
What fears are holding you back?
I challenge you to “one adventure every day”. Stop at a park and revisit your childhood with a ride on a playground swing. Lakes, rivers and creeks are everywhere- stop to stick your toes in. Visit a new restaurant with a cuisine you’ve never tried. You’ll be surprised how quickly your taste for adventure grows and how it translates to other aspects of your life.
“But trust me on the sunscreen”?.
