The Tiny Adventures Path Story
The Tiny Adventures Path (TAP) has taught me about moving from Fear to Trust, one tiny adventure at a time. TAP first emerged during a time of crisis. I was a 17 year old exchange student in Brussels, Belgium. It was the first time leaving my family and the familiarity of Williamsburg, Virginia. My bearings were gone. I felt a deep, emotional and physical, grieving. The dramatic change knocked me off my feet.
I discovered that seeking new experiences and exploring new places in everyday life alleviated my depression and loneliness. I couldn’t be bored while I was people-watching or trying new chocolates and street waffles! I felt less alone when I talked to “strangers” who encouraged my struggling French skills. And, I increasingly gained confidence as I learned how to ride the trains and engage with art., food, and history.
Over time, I became more comfortable with the unknown and willing to keep going out of my comfort zone. I finished my year in Belgium with a new set of bearings. I went on to travel by myself all over the world and live in many extraordinary places, like Paris, Washington, DC, Boston, and New York City! I went to school, had life-giving relationships, and learned so much!
Yet, I was not immune to life’s unwanted changes. My world unexpectedly crashed when I was 34 years old. I had progressively withdrawn into darkness. Instead of engaging life, I sought to escape with alcohol. I isolated myself from loved ones. Anger and resentment replaced Gratitude. I had the aura of “Pig Pen” in Charlie Brown, reeking of self-righteousness and self pity. In my early career, I excelled in building loyalty and team ethic. By the end, I was a tyrant and reported by staff as “dictatorial.”
I was devastatingly sick in mind, body, and spirit. I lost my law firm career and required extensive recovery, tapping into disability insurance. But, I am blessed because Grace took over and saved my life. A multi-pronged solution of therapy, psychiatry, exercise, spiritual practice, support groups, and tiny adventures restored me to health.
The Tiny Adventures Path emerged again as my best friend, gently nurturing and encouraging me. My senses awakened. I welcomed new experiences and people. And, I celebrated being alive and all the aspects of my recovery.
I’ve walked through so many Fears with Trust on the other side. It’s quite a story, which I’ll tell you sometime. Humility and Compassion replacing Ego. Connection overpowering Isolation. Seeking instead of Escaping. Selfishness transforming into Service. Willingness becoming stronger than Resistance.
A couple years ago, the Tiny Adventures Path asked me for reciprocity. I was driving from Richmond, VA to Baltimore, MD and it flooded over me. I received so much and now it’s time for a new form of Service. I can teach others this beautiful, life-giving, tool towards joy, humanity, and connection. And. I can help prevent such dramatic crises for others or soften the landing.
TAP is a gift during this time of uncertainty. I deeply understand the disorienting effects of major change, whether we choose it or not. I also intimately know about daily anxiety. It’s very scary! But, today, I pause and connect with Trust.
TAP enables me to Trust going out of my comfort zone. TAP has worked for me in extreme, troubled, times and I actively embrace it in this current upheaval! Gratefully, Tiny Adventures Path is now a way of life. One foot in front of the other, one tiny adventure at a time. I’ve always been taken care of.
