Well, a little more than a month ago, when Amy and I started talking about this idea of creating 31 days of adventure, an exercise for others to find adventure in the everyday, I didn’t know what to expect. Daily adventures are something I try to do most of my days, and so this project seemed like a fun extension of that. It was also a great way to challenge myself to think of 31 days of ideas for adventures and map them out logically (and a great excuse to work with Amy). When we talked about goals for this project, I felt (and Amy agreed) we would be successful if the project inspired and helped just one person. Much of the project, not to sound selfish, was just plain fun to do and I was going to do it regardless of who signed up. Inspiring and reaching someone else felt like icing on the cake.

Once we had that goal in mind, we got to work. We laid down our plans and put them into action. Working with Amy was a joy — she is a great collaborator, easy going as well as a fluent, thoughtful writer, and she provided me with inspiration many a time (did I tell you that yet, Amy? Well, I am now.)

The outcome of our toils was far more than I expected. We had more than 100 people sign up before the month even began. And more came even after January 1. I am touched by how many folks participated in the 31 days (and I started out participating myself, but then felt more suited as a spectator for this go ’round). Everyone created really wonderful posts/tweets/otherwise — some were unexpected, all were so creative. I feel honored to be among this community of people, adventuring in big and small ways. And it showed me there are more likeminded people in my sphere than I realized.

So, there’s another delightful outcome. I learned a little bit more about my world.

To those who participated in the 31 Days of Adventure, thank you so very much. You are awesome. I send you high fives and have nothing but smiles and gratitude for your posts and tweets. And as well to those who joined in the middle or thought about joining but didn’t, stay tuned. Amy and I have more in store for all of you.

A later note: I forgot to thank Katie Levy, Sara Lingafelter, Kim Kircher and Chicks Climbing for contributing awesome guest prompts. You all rock!

Over the past year or so (and maybe even longer than that), I’ve gotten into a bad habit of doing other things while eating a meal. Breakfast is always a quick smoothie I can consume while getting ready for work. I eat lunch at my desk (while continuing to work) most days and dinners are spent in front of Hulu or a book or magazine. I barely notice the food, which seems to be a weird practice, since I enjoy cooking it so much.

So now I’m seeking to return to food awareness and put my full focus on the meal in front of me. No distractions. For today’s 31 Days of Adventure, I took the opportunity to practice this by noticing the little things while eating lunch today. I closed my eyes. I chewed slowly. I found there was a lot to notice while eating this tasty salad:

So much kale and cabbage goodness mixed in with a tangy sweet homemade dressing! Each bite was a little different than the one before. Some came with the leafy texture of kale, some with a bit more onion, some with a salty pumpkin seed punch that seemed to accentuate all the other flavors. I was really surprised at how intense the flavors and textures were when I really paid attention.

Next I enjoyed a slice of 5-year aged cheddar from the great state o’ Wisconsin:

Again, an intense flavor experience. Far more than I remember before.

I’m going to have to eat with this much attention more often.

This post is part of the 31 Days of Adventure. Follow the prompts here or at #31adventures.

My friend Amy at Expand Outdoors and I have crafted a fun thing for the new year: 31 Days of Adventure. It spawned over the idea that adventure happens every day, you just have to look for it or seek to create it . We don’t need epic trips to the backcountry, skydiving or similar to feel a sense of adventure (although those things certainly do it). That’s one of the things I’ve learned on the road trip and I try to incorporate into my every day and on this blog: adventure is everywhere, small and big.

So, every day in the month of January, we’ll send out daily adventures on the 31 Days of Adventure site and through our newsletter. These adventures are free, easy enough to incorporate into your day and do right in your backyard (or around the neighborhood). We hope they’ll inspire you to carry adventure with you throughout the rest of the year. Hope you’ll join us!