Mountain Thoughts: Live Your Own Adventure

It sometimes seems like the world is always telling us that we should want more. We need to do more, see more, be more. It’s no longer enough to travel – we must travel to somewhere off the beaten path. It’s not enough to hike – we must climb mountains. We can’t take tours – we must interact with the locals or risk an “inauthentic” experience. There is a part of me that thinks there is something to be said for this way of thinking. I believe we should always strive to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and be more than we think we can be. I believe cross-cultural connections are vitally important, and that seeing other places leads to greater appreciation for the spot we call home while enhancing our understanding of life abroad.



I also believe that everyone is different, and the definition of “adventure” looks different on each of us. When I started working with Kühl, I looked at the other bloggers’ profiles and thought, “Wow…these people are way out of my league!” There are elite cylists, triathletes who have represented the United States at international competitions, incredibly talented climbers, fearless base jumpers, and more. My passion for road marathons and a few international trips a year seemed suddenly inadequate, and I wasn’t sure I was the right fit for this amazing company. But, the more I learned about Kühl, the more I realized that this is a company that strives to encourage people to live their best lives and “be comfortable and relaxed in the challenging environment of life and sport.” And you know what? Life is a challenging environment, and we’re all just doing the best we can.

Danielle explores Japan

I know that my definition of adventure currently focuses around my two-week trek in Nepal this fall. For my in-laws, it looks a little more like Destin, Florida – seemingly a world away from their usual vacation spot of Myrtle Beach. For my husband, adventure is taking his rally car up into the mountains and testing out the latest gadget he’s installed; for one of my friends, it’s conquering the depths of another great dive spot. Adventure looks different for everyone. Life isn’t about meeting someone else’s definition of success or excitement or happiness, but in this world of constant connection and social media updates, it can often feel like we’re not doing enough.

Danielle monkeys around with the locals

Our comfort zones are all different shapes and sizes, but no matter what the other side of yours looks like, you’re in for a wild and fulfilling ride. Go to your edge, no matter where it takes you. I’ll be right there cheering you on!