Adventure? I’ve had loads of it. Security? Adventure taught me several things, but the single most important one is that feelings of security are untrustworthy.
Adventure
Now, as I think about that, I recall my nighttime security regime. Check windows and doors to ensure that everything is latched or locked. This came from growing up in New York City, where most apartment doors had an elite selection of bars, locks, and chains. Break-ins, home invasions, and petty theft were always possibilities, even in secure buildings and neighborhoods.
Security while on the road or in coffeehouses depended on many things, but people on alcohol, drugs, or high on just plain meanness topped the list. A partial list of things to do to avoid trouble? Here it is:
- You never wore your wallet in the back pocket, always a front one.
- You sat with your back to the wall, preferably watching the door
- If you trusted, you verified
- At the first sounds of loud arguments you checked to see where the exits where
- In some choice places, you watched the barkeep carefully
- Always remember the guitar comes first.
Put simply, adventure was great, but came with lots of peril. I’ve reached the point where the fun is enjoyable but I could do without the risks.
Kissing Frogs
After my reform from wayward travel and adventure, I was much more interested in emotional security. One could say that I was hungry for it. Seeking it was an adventure in itself. To twist an old saying, ” You kiss a lot of frogs before you find a princess”. I can attest to the truth of the statement. Frog breath. Yeccch!
I like things the way they are, I have relative security, and I have my princess. I consider myself fortunate and blessed that things turned out as they did.
My advice is that both security and adventure can be overrated. Seeking a balance between the two paths is the way to go; says he who couldn’t follow his own advice.
Ahhhh. As Augustine said, ” It was wicked, but I loved it.”
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Anywhere we go I still make sure I have full access and visibility to the door!
It always pays to be vigilant.
Seriously, “feelings of security are untrustworthy.” You could be quoting a certain woman who broke her leg trying to clean up dog shit.
No! surely you Jest! How could that be?
🤣
I’m with you, Lou. Life itself is an adventure and security is a myth. I’ve always been a firm believer in a little cushion to help with the adventure and a good travel partner on the adventure creates the possibility of some security. Or more adventure. 🙂 I too like my adventures with a dose of (security?)
Marlene, you nailed it for me, and in such a simple way. I love adventure, but I put up as many back up plans and security measures that I can. I forgot that making cushions was what I was doing, and had told myself that’s just part of it. But I think those steps became part of it after I got burned a few times! ha ha
We learn to provide our own security.
I still like my mountain and trail walks. One of my favorite podcasts to listen to is “Park Predators”, it reminds me to stay connected to what’s around me.
All excellent advice. I cringe every time I see someone staring at their phone with headphones on; out among strangers. Your surroundings can hurt you if you don’t stay aware. But stay calm and never show fear. Predators can smell it.
Balance!! It often comes back to this wise and simple concept.