The Dangers of an Easy Life

An Easy Life 

The dream of so many. People (maybe like you?) looking for easier options to daily life: an easy job, easy finances, easy relationships. 

With over a week passed since we arrived in Inverness on The Big Hike, I’ve taken time to reflect on the achievement. 

There were many times when I wished for an easy path. In most hikers’ opinion that means level ground. Which in real terms means: tow path. 

An Easy Path

Have you ever walked on a towpath? It’s idyllic. The canal on the side, bordered by hedges and trees. Narrowboats or yachts silently drifting by. And you can see what’s ahead for a long distance. 

The first steps feel wonderful. You take it all in, grateful for the easy trail ahead. But after five minutes (or twenty depending on your level of (im)patience) you start to feel differently about the ease of the path. 

Lurking Dangers 

Maybe when reading this post you jumped ahead: wanting to quickly see what dangers there could possibly be to an easy life. Well, it’s in my opinion one of the most vile and destructive of all: boredom. 

When you join me for a Wanderlust Adventure we will walk a little way on a towpath. I’ll ask you to walk on your own for this bit - no conversations. Observe your thoughts and your surroundings. Particularly recognizing when boredom sets in.

Looking for Excitement 

Do you consider boredom as dangerous? On the towpath, not much can happen (although, if your dog decides to take a swim and then realizes he can’t get back up on the bank anymore…). However, in life it’s a different story. 

The easy life carries dangers that we often underestimate: distractions, flirtations, and, subsequently, spur of the moment stupid decisions. That come with long term consequences and (often) regrets). 

The Challenging Life 

Instead, maybe it isn’t so bad to have a challenging life. The easy life holds dangers that are difficult to see, assess, and navigate. The challenging life has visible dangers - often stretching our comfort zone - and we meet them head on. It's when we're at the crossroads that we get to choose. Often our gut will tell us.

The Big Question 

The big question that remains (and is for you to answer): what challenges do you want? What’s your ideal balance between easy and challenging? And what challenges do you want to actively overcome? 

In hiking terms that is to say: what kind of terrain do you want to conquer? The moor? Mountains? Coastal paths? Tarmac, forest floor, or grass? 

I’d love to know your answers! And if you don’t quite know them yourself yet I’d be very honoured to help you find out. 

If you’d like to know more about my approach to living with purpose and realizing your dreams, let’s connect on LinkedIn. 

And if you’ve got a career or life challenge that you’d like to discuss, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute coaching session here: https://wanderlustcoach.as.me