When you seek out the definition of a wanderer, you might be led to think that this is a person that could be lacking direction, or goals. Just wandering aimlessly towards nothing. But that leads me to wonder, is that such a bad thing? I mean, setting goals is great. I have accomplished many things in life by being very goal-oriented. But sometimes I think that we can become too focused on goals if that is possible. It could be that we spend so much time trying to reach success or some type of accomplishment that we simply forget to embrace the journey. And isn’t that what most of your life really is, the journey?
Why become a wandering explorer?
I think of a wanderer as a searcher, seeking to find what else is out there in the world. Looking around and asking questions, exploring new places and things. And those types of people are needed in this world….to seek out things that they do not necessarily know that they are looking for, right off.
I wanted to do a post about wanderers because often I find myself admiring when people get out and explore new and different things. Like traveling, without a destination in mind. Going a little off the beaten path. Making spontaneous choices along the way. I mean what would that be like? It is scary and amazing to think about.
Do you always need a plan?
A person like myself has a bit of a hard time imagining doing something like a wanderer would. I am a type-A personality and a planner, and as a result, do very little “wandering”. I have never taken a vacation without having a plan in place. But every now and then…. I will drift off and think of “what if”. I have had days, although rare, that I can wake up and do something totally different than what I had planned for the day. Just jump in the car and have a spontaneous day just exploring with no plan, doing different things than a regular day. And when I think about that, those are all good days and I do not regret any one of them. It makes me wonder why I do not do that more often.
Can highly structured people be wanderers?
I miss the summer days of childhood where there was never a plan. You woke up and asked yourself “what will I do today”. It seems like in the adult world that we live in, that this is so far away it is unimaginable. But I miss it. Barefoot days of swimming in the river, running around in the rain, and spur of the moment weekend trips to the campground without a schedule.
With responsibilities, children’s schedules, and work schedules spending more time “wandering” seems impossible at times. But I want to try and bring more of it back into my life. I think that it is important, to take a break from the day-to-day routine every now and then, to find fulfillment in life. These little breaks of wandering aimless allow you the time to empty your mind of the clutter and remember what is really important.
Here are a few ideas to explore your inner wanderer:
1. Exploring nature
There are unlimited resources to explore nature and in so many different ways. Activities like hiking, tubing, or kayaking, and just being in nature could be beneficial and good for the soul. In my area, there are areas where you can do river floats and also a few lakes which are great for kayaking, paddleboats, paddle boarding. If water is not your thing, find a good forest and explore away! One of my favorite ways to spend a day is at a botanical garden, just walking and looking at the trees and flowers. Find a good spot and take a book with a picnic lunch and begin what is sure to be a nice day.
2. Travel without a plan
This sounds so amazing and appealing. Just to leave town one day not knowing where you are staying, what you are eating, and what activities you are doing could be so much fun. I can picture stopping in a cute little town’s main street and have lunch at a diner and explore the variety of shops, exploring book shops or art galleries. Whether you have a day, week, or month the possibilities are endless.
3. Take a trek to a new town
I cannot think of anything that might be more fun than this. If you only have a day to wander, this could be a great activity. Drive to a nearby town that you have never been to. Explore the shops and restaurants that you find. Find an activity to do in the town. Better yet, find a cute “main street”. Bring a friend to explore with you. I cannot think of a more fun-sounding day!
4. Roam to the park
Sound simple right because there is a park in almost every town or county. But if you look a little further, there are some amazing parks to explore! You can find parks to explore the history, parks to camp in tents or cabins, or parks to meet other parents and let the kids play. My suggestion is to explore new parks when you go. Wander around and discover all the hidden treasures and you will surely find some wonderful and unexpected treasures.
Wandering could give you a chance to recharge, explore something new, and help to clear your mind….
Do you feel non-energetic? Not sure if you feel like exploring and wandering? Check out my post on How to energize your day – 5 ways!.
In conclusion, all of these are things that could help to recharge your batteries and maybe bring a little more peace into your life. Wandering could help us to find great things that we did not actually know that we were looking for. So, what is stopping you? If you have a day or a week, do not make a plan…. get in your car and go! Wander to a museum or go see a movie in a beautiful old theater. Or go on a trip that you have always dreamed of. Meet some people along the way. Stop when you feel like stopping, or when you see something interesting to explore and check it out. Take your camera and a friend and wander to your heart’s content. I believe that you will not regret it!
Mrs. Accountable
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
This may be us when hubby retires. We’ll be wanderers in a RV. Thanks so much for linking up with me at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 20, open until January 26. Shared on social media.
Donna Reidland says
I like to take trips that while we may have a destination, we’re not in a hurry to get there and we can stop and explore anything that looks interesting.