I like to be aware of the possibilities, the dangers, and then decide to face a challenge anyway. There is a bravery in facing the unknown, but if you are unaware of the danger, you are aloof, stupid, not brave. Traveling to Alaska will be perilous and fraught with danger. We might get eaten by bears, lose our luggage, get mugged, drown in a river, be attacked by a moose, a pack of wolves, or perhaps be mauled a disgruntled wolverine. I get upset with my “Adventurous” friends who do not prepare by considering these possibilities simply because to do so invokes fear. Avoiding these thoughts is somewhat cowardly. To cultivate bravery requires thinking about the worst case scenario fears and deciding how you plan to face them. Bravery isn’t for everyone, and many fools claim it but few live it.

People may think “Why would I want to think about things that scare me?”  I would answer only that to do so with a constructive mind will prepare you for those moments and help you respond effectively if they ever come to pass. Your fate is almost certain if you are frozen in fear when that nightmare scenario becomes a reality. This does not mean having a negative mindset and running around with a fear mongering attitude. Being brave involves considering as much as you can whilst still wearing a smile. After all, some things you truly must face in the moment.

To those who travel with me, be warned. All my trips are BYOB. I don’t like traveling with people who don’t prepare or can’t face a problem with a smile and adventurous attitude. Don’t worry. I promise, that in return for my hard ass attitude on this issue, I will deliver ten fold on comedic mishaps at my expense. You can always be sure that on any adventure with me, there will be plenty things to laugh about.

Cheers!
-Nicholas