Turning Misadventure Into Adventure

Each month when I sit down to write this newsletter, I take a look back at where I traveled to see what lessons I’ve learned. Normally, I’ve met a cool chef or was inspired by some vista, but this month was a little different. When I reviewed the last four weeks the word that came to mind was “misadventure.”

 Yes, I was lucky enough to check off a bucket list item of attending the Kentucky Derby and I got the chance to stay in a vintage hotel in the Catskills complete with a bowling alley. But, I wouldn’t exactly say they went smoothly.

At the risk of sounding like a spoiled brat, I will keep the list of privileged woes to a minimum. Let's just say there was a driving rain storm, muddy swollen feet, lack of sleep, inexplicable stains, smells and cigarette burns, and an exploding hair dryer. 

I think you get the gist.
 

Now, while this seems like a rather depressing newsletter, I swear there’s a point. In all of these situations I could have spent my time complaining, but I didn’t. When I look back on each of these “misadventures” all I see is adventure.

My feet were killing me, but I got to have breakfast served by Bobby Flay at the Derby and tour a distillery. I was exhausted after a day of unexpected detours in the Catskills, but got to meet a really cool couple at dinner that actually booked a night in the Catskills hotel because they read an article I wrote about it.  

Each little unplanned bump turned out to be the catalyst of what would otherwise be typical vacation into a true adventure. After all, how lucky I was to even be having these hiccups? It’s all about perception.

Life doesn’t come without mishaps, big and small, but it’s how we react to them that truly defines our narrative. That’s not to say you can’t cry or get frustrated, but don't miss out on adventure by focusing on the misadventure.