In the outdoorsy/adventure world, people talk about different types of fun. There’s Type 1 fun - easy, pleasant, and enjoyable while it’s happening. Think great conversation over great food, lovely strolls on a nice day, the easy companionship of being with your loved ones.
Then there’s Type 2 fun. This is the type of activity that pushes you, that comes with discomfort and maybe even a healthy dose of risk-taking. Usually you hit a point where you question your life decisions and maybe your sanity. It might not be fun while you do it but afterwards you’re so glad you did. Type 2 fun often makes for great stories and comes with a sense of achievement or fulfillment.
(Apparently there’s also Type 3 fun in which is neither fun during or after. Is that even still fun at all?!)
I recently got back from a 5 day 53 mile hut-to-hut trek in Slovenia. On one particular day as I slogged up 4500 ft of elevation carrying a 20 pound pack, I cursed all the times I thought I was fit enough to do this. I catalogued my complaints: I was tired, my calves were sore, the chafing was making my eczema flare up, and so on and so forth.
A lot of us are taught to seek ease and convenience. I think that’s partly human nature too. If you grew up in an immigrant household, you probably also heard messages around seeking safety and security above all else. Don’t rock the boat and don’t take risks. Don’t you want to be comfortable?
However, we can’t avoid all discomfort. What do we miss out on when we keep trying to do so? (Unsuccessfully, I might add.) What if instead of trying to avoid all the hard things, we focused instead on choosing hard things that are worth it? What if we embraced a little discomfort and invited some Type 2 fun into our lives?
Eventually I reached a peak with a hut where I could take a break. As I sat eating a snack looking at the view (the one above!), somebody in the food hall started playing a folksy tune on an accordion. Is this real life or a movie? I marveled to myself. Wow, I am so lucky I get to be here.
Take Care,
Naomi
Announcements/Resources:
I currently have openings in my caseload. Sliding scale and superbills available. Reach out today to see if we’d be a good fit!
Some recent delights:
(Not a usual delight) Beloved poet Andrea Gibson recently passed away. Their partner has lovingly released a poem that Andrea wrote awhile back, When Death Came to Visit.
I recently read The Other Significant Others by Rhaina Cohen, a wonderful book that shares many stories of unconventional and nonromantic partnerships.
If you want to see some more pictures from my hike, look here.