Life by Numbers

Do you remember those ‘paint by numbers’ books? Each number defined a colour and you followed its rules and ended up with an a perfect drawing? Well, if only life were that easy hey?

Unfortunately, all too often we try and define our lives by numbers. However, we are not black and white creatures but instead ones of infinite colours. For over 10 years I have strived for the ‘perfect’ set of numbers; whether it be regarding my grades or my weight. As much as you think it will, it never creates happiness; there’s always more you can do, further you can go in your quest for infamous perfection.

So now as I am about to embark on a unique adventure which I know will be both mentally and physically challenging, I am faced with the same question; what number is the ‘correct’ one? How many miles should I do? How many hours a day? How many islands to visit? If I don’t manage ‘X’ miles in a day, will people think I’m useless? Will they disregard my ability to succeed? Will I?

Well luckily I have decided that adventure is much like life; you can’t just chase the numbers and you certainly can’t expect perfection. It is about exploring, about self discovery or a sense of place. It is about creating memories that will last and smiles that never fade. Experiences are more important than things. Experiences are more important than numbers.

And that is exactly how I plan on approaching my next few weeks exploring the northern and western isles of Scotland. Experiencing it. Breathing in the salty air, gasping for more as I push up the hills and grinning wildly as I race down them. To let myself feel not ‘too much’, but just as much as I want to.

Life is quite simply, an adventure. Are you living it?