For the past few years, some friends and I have chosen “words for our year.” It’s kind of a mantra we want to speak into our lives. This year, I selected “adventure.” Some thought that was easy since I had been going on what could be considered adventures for the last couple of years in the form of travel and snowboarding.

But the word meant something different to me this time. While of course it would involve those things that I love, it was also about stepping out of my comfort zone and purposefully doing things I was a little afraid of. So I filtered decisions with that lens: am I stretching myself? Am I doing things that are challenging and a little uncomfortable?

I spent the first part of the year with “safer” adventures, like snowboarding. Sometimes I went alone to my happy place (Mammoth) and also enjoyed trips with new and old friends. I joined Bumble (the online dating app) for 30 hours before realizing it wasn’t for me. I put myself out there with a couple of guys who I was curious about. I got up on stage at church a few times though I felt like throwing up before each appearance. And then I booked a month long trip by myself to New Zealand and Australia knowing there would be painful moments of loneliness. Because if you want to put me out of my comfort zone, force me to be isolated for extended periods of time in a foreign place with only my thoughts and own heart to examine. (Yes, I am a classic enneagram type 7!)

So I prepared my clients and my life at home for my absence. I arranged rides for my dad’s doctor visits (thank you, sweet Mary), made spare keys to my place so friends could check in, and I set off with what felt like clear eyes and a full heart. (#texasforever #prayingforHouston)

The trip did not disappoint bringing lots of mini adventures along the way. ‘

There were exhausting hikes up snowy slopes to catch views and a few fresh turns.

Jumping out of a plane at 15,000 feet for the first time over the snow capped Remarkables mountains.

Renting a car to drive through the west coast of New Zealand alone and on the opposite side of the road through mountain passes.

Being inundated daily with new and beautiful expressions of God’s creativity in the amazing scenery I encountered.

Staying by myself in hostels and spending many meals eating by myself.

Chartering a scenic helicopter to get a closer view of glaciers after my heli hike was canceled.

Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef while it still exists though I hadn’t been diving for years and was really nervous about it.

Most of these caused mild anxiety and a lot of reflection.

The trip is over now and I think it accomplished its mission: I got out of my comfort zone, did a lot of soul searching, and challenged myself in more ways than one. But what I was most reminded of in all of it was that the real adventure in this life is the people we cross paths with – every one a unique soul with a story to share, valuable beyond words, and wanting desperately to be seen, known, liked, and I dare say, loved.

There were Air BnB hosts, tour mates, ski/snowboarding comrades, hiking companions, helicopter acquaintances, dive buddies, course instructors, mates of mates, taxi and uber drivers, and more.

There was Sam, the ski guide – a local Kiwi with a deep respect for his native Aotearoa, home after years away and in the perfect job for his easy-going personality. Sandra the independent who had never traveled outside of Australia and had never seen snow but signed up to go on a ski tour alone. Daniel the thinker and Matthew the happy – friends from school who came on a quest to find Frodo but found more of themselves. Sara the quiet from Arizona who is more courageous than I think she even knows. The Sydney sisters – Nara, Brooke, and Jaime – always laughing and joking, the life of the party, but also fiercely loyal and protective, especially of each other. Owen the philosopher trying something new as he discovers what this next stage of life looks like. Aussie Sam the unassuming, in between work and life, but discovering the world in the meantime. Elissa the persistent who knows when to push through a challenge and when it’s time to just sit and have a beer – an important distinction. Matej the globe trotter who spent time patiently teaching some of the newer skiers because he wanted to pay it forward. Grace the sweet with a soft disposition and the wisdom of someone much older. Tom the kind, an accountant turned math teacher, who was always quick to lend a hand. Tina the generous who made sure everyone was taken care of, and not just related to our 7-songs playlists. Lindsay the healer both literally (she’s an ER doc) and figuratively who was an instant friend, both on and off the slopes.

There was Chris, the best friend of a Kiwi friend in San Diego, and his lovely girlfriend, Ana, who shared part of a date night during their holiday to meet with me. There were the Brisbane boys: multiple groups of friends enjoying holidays in the land of the long white cloud. Ishelle from Amsterdam, who I only spent a day and a half with but bonded instantly with over the loneliness of solo traveling. Nori from Japan, studying to be a dive instructor, with the patient disposition perfect for his future career. Miriam, my boat cabin roomie, ready to reunite with her husband after a month long fellowship in Australia, and Lauren from Boston via San Francisco, fulfilling her bucket list to run a half marathon on every continent before she turned 30 – both who learned to dive for the first time on the trip. Arthur and Alice, the beautiful French couple who work side by side to run the overnight dive trips. The Melbourne brothers/ best friends, David and Edouard, celebrating a birthday, a 100th dive, and achieving 22 dives in a row over 5 days, a possible record for the dive boat. Ryan and Luke, my advanced dive course instructors, who were professional, patient, kind, and fun – a rare combo to espouse while being in charge of someone’s life at 30 meters under the sea. Marc from Sydney/Cairns/Boracay, a protective soul who played host while I was in Cairns, and his friend Paul, who had been hit by a car while on a motorbike rendering him paraplegic, but who had more joy and verve for life than most able bodied people I know.

To all of you (pictured and not) and the others not mentioned by name, thank you for being the best part of this adventure. I learned something from each of you that I will take with me in an attempt to be a better person and more compassionate human.

I am also reminded of how truly fortunate I am to have an incredible community of friends and family who make coming home something to look forward to. Thank you for staying connected for the month I was gone via messages, comments, and prayers.

On my second to last night of the trip, I sat on a retaining wall watching an impressive fireworks show over the Cairns esplanade and was moved to tears with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunities I’ve been given, the richness of this life, and of course, the people. Especially the people.