"Adventure isn't hanging on a rope off the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude that we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life - facing new challenges, seizing new options, testing our resources against the unknown, and in the process, discovering our own unique potential." - John Amatt There is an old story about a mountain climber who had trained many years to reach the highest peak in the western hemisphere, the Aconcagua located in the Andes Mountains of western Argentina.

He wanted all the glory for himself, so he climbed alone. Eager to reach the top, he did not prepare to camp for the night. Even though it was growing very late, he decided to keep climbing.

Soon the night grew cold, and heavy darkness fell around him at a very high altitude. There was no moon, and clouds covered the stars. The blackness around him was thick, and he lost all visibility.

As he was climbing a ridge only 100 meters from the top, he slipped and fell! Falling rapidly, he only saw blotches of darkness passing by him. He fell further and further into the darkness below.

Memories of his life raced through his mind in those moments of anguish. He thought that he would certainly die. Suddenly, he felt a jolt that almost tore him in half!

He had taken the precaution to stake himself with a long rope tied to his waist. In those still moments suspended in the air, he shouted out, "Help me God! Help me!"

All of a sudden, he heard a deep voice from heaven. It asked, "What do you want me to do?"

"Save Me!"

"Do you really think that I can save you?"

"Of course you can save me. You are God!"

"Then I want you to cut the rope that is holding you up."

There was another moment of silence and stillness. The man just held tighter to the rope. The next day, the rescue team said that they found a frozen mountain climber clinging tightly to a rope and hanging... two feet off the ground.

Seek Out New Experiences

The word adventure can evoke thoughts of excitement, discovery, and challenge. Those who value adventure love to seek new experiences. They celebrate life by welcoming its terrain, both rugged and smooth. They take responsibility for their journey with all of its highs and lows.

They thrive on unexpected slips and slides, valleys and mountains. They fall sometimes, and their faith allows them to learn from the experience. They climb back up, and create new trails.

Recognize Your Tremendous Potential

As John Amatt suggested, adventure is a way we can choose to view life. It can also transform the way we experience life. It is one way to learn the lessons we came here to learn.

Adventure is not simply traveling and sightseeing. It is "seeing" from a transformed perspective. There we can discover our purpose, and accept ourselves as worthwhile people who have both needs and tremendous potential.

Allow Experiences to be Transformative

A person peers through the misty rainbow decorating a thundering waterfall hundreds of feet above an endless glacier valley. Her heart begins to race. Her experience has touched her beyond the physical senses. All of life's peaks and valleys can be transformative if we allow them to touch us deeply.

Sometimes we will feel as though we are "hanging on a rope," unable to see our way - unable to move. Then we must remember to act with faith. Life will always be a series of peaks and valleys. We can discover strength in climbing, and resiliency if we must "cut the rope" and begin again. Life on earth is an adventure with one chance to live it. That chance exists in this very moment. Seize it completely!

? Copyright 2004 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com