I wish I could say that I was born with the soul of a true adventurer.  I’d like to pretend that I’ve always pined for the distant horizon, but to say such things would be a lie.  I’ve had to work at it.  I’ve had to force myself to move beyond the confines of safety.

 

My mother always told me that when I was a young boy, I didn’t like to go outside and play in the yard.  The reason I gave, I’ve often been told, was that our yard lacked a fence.  I guess I probably recognized fences as an enclosure to keep me safe from the world.

 

Like anyone, I like the security of a known place, known customs and known outcomes.  As I’ve grown up; however, I’ve come to understand that I appreciate them even more after I’ve been away from them for a while. A little risk and a little discomfort do amazing things to one’s outlook.

 

So I continue to go. There is a lot out there, beyond the fence.