You can tell a lot about someone based off of their values and how they act upon them; something I’ve mentioned on this blog numerous times is that you can also tell a lot about yourself in the same way. 

I think of security and adventures as values rather than merely concepts. So, what can you really say about someone who seeks out/values security or adventures? 

My first impression of somebody who seeks security is someone who can be afraid to take risks. Maybe they’re extremely cautious in order to avoid economic/social/emotional insecurity because they’ve experienced it in the past before. They make pretty well-informed decisions before making changes to their life. 

On the other hand, my first impression of someone who seeks adventure are “thrill-seekers”. These people can be spontaneous or even impulsive. They’re not as cautious as those who seek security and are less worried about failures. In other words, the complete opposite of security-seekers.

But I’d like to challenge my own initial thoughts. As a young adult who is, herself, an adventure-seeker, I wouldn’t say I’m never cautious during new and fun experiences. I’m also just as subject to the fear of failure as others around me. I like to be spontaneous at times, but I understand the importance of planning in life. I enjoy ”unknowns” in my life while also taking comfort in the “known” at other times. Fitting into these values is not black and white; I don’t feel like I’m just one of or the other. 

However, ever since moving to a new city and constantly dealing with new events and people, I’ve realized that adventure-seekers aren’t the opposite of security-seekers. They’re actually the exact same. 

An adventure doesn’t have to be something extreme such as a vacation or skydiving. It can be so much as trying a new restaurant, trying a new exercise regime, or even cooking a new recipe. The key point of an adventure is that it introduces something new. It makes one deviate from their usual pattern of behavior. 

So what is the whole point of seeking out something new, or an “adventure”? Generally, adventure-seekers thrive on the feeling new experiences give them; the “thrill” is the feeling of getting out of and expanding their comfort zone. In other words, adventure-seekers love creating or finding security in the new places, people, or events of an adventure. In the end, seeking an adventure means one is also seeking security/the expansion of it. 

Likewise, people who seek security need adventure to build their comfort zone. Otherwise, they’d remain confined and avoid anything that remotely makes them uncomfortable. So, in the end, security-seekers are also seeking adventure in order to expand their security as well. 

I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you value one, you most definitely also value the other. You may constantly seek one, but find yourself discovering both.

Take some time to reflect about yourself! How have the values of security and adventure been prominent in your life?

Till next time,
Moesha