I think it is very interesting to think about what makes people do what they do. I used to think that the only running I would ever do would be on a basketball court. I would often ask myself - “Why would anyone want to go out and run for running sake?”
Then one day, for reasons that I can’t quite remember, I went out for a jog and the next thing I knew I was training for the Bolder Boulder, the Freedom Run and even the Loveland half marathon. Cami would often question me as to why, and it was just one of those things that I enjoyed at that point in my life.
I think we all have certain tendencies and certainly desires to do things in our lives that others would question. This is fine as it is what makes us unique and interesting. There are many things that I would love to do that other people would just shake their heads at. I would love to go on an extended, open ended world tour. It’s not happening anytime soon (if at all). I have a little notebook that I carry that has a list of lifetime goals I want to achieve all written down and when I get an idea of something else I want to do (like hit a hole in one), I jot it down.
But where do we draw the line. Or maybe a more appropriate question is, do we draw the line. I think for some (myself included) there is a definite line that needs to be drawn.
There was an article written in the September 1996 issue of Outside Magazine that was called “Into Thin Air“. It talks about one man’s personal account of his summit of Mount Everest and what happened in the weeks leading up to it and the tragedy that followed. Even without the imminent risk of losing your life or limbs, I am not sure what people are thinking when they decide to attempt the summit of Mount Everest.
Anyways, the author talks about how he was given 4-5 times as much space to write the article then is typically given in a magazine, but he still did not feel like it did justice to the events. He wrote a book by the same name that I got for my birthday last week that goes into a lot more detail about the whole experience. If you are looking for an interesting book, this is one I would highly recommend.
So, this begs the question and I want to hear your responses. What is one thing that you want to do that others would think “What are you thinking?”
For me, I would sail around the world.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have always wanted to shave my head. It’s gotta feel nice just to start fresh, plus I wouldn’t have to worry about how it looks constantly and I wouldn’t have to style it everyday. I have heard that when you do your hair “supposedly” grows in thicker, but I won’t believe it unless I try it out myself…which will probably be never!
Great article, Brandon.
First time on your blog space, and was so amazed by your ideas and the amount of topics you write about…
Thanks.
I have alot of things that I already do that make people think, What was she thinking….but that’s ok…..but one thing that I think would be fun is to have a whole room in my house filled with bubble wrap, so you could just bounce around and pop them, but then they would fill back up and never be all popped…..??? : )
By the way B…..I sure do love you.and am proud of you…and Vidam was right, your blog is awesome….and I can’t wait to see you and the fam this next week???? : ) be happy
mallory – i laughed when i read yours, but I wouldn’t count on it growing back thicker. I tried it and it didn’t work:(
I want to swim with whales, dolphins or stingrays, course so did Steve and look where that got him. I’ve kayaked with seals, and maybe that’s just a safe 2nd that I’ll have to be happy with for now.
Love your blog Ban-Ban, you’ve done an awesome job!