To explore life is to truly live life. It is true that the safest place for a ship is in the harbour, safely tied to the shore. But a ship was not built to stay in the harbour. It was built to explore the deep oceans and seas, new places, and people.

When we embark on this adventure and set out to discover for ourselves what life has to offer us, not only do we make the most of this life that we have, we start discovering things about ourselves as well. The spirit of exploration comes from our enthusiasm and zest for life.

It comes from valuing experiences. We often count our wealth by our bank balance. The wealth of experiences can enrich our life. When we seek experiences to add value to our life, we are willing to explore.

It comes from our fearlessness. When we back our ideas with our inner confidence, we are willing and able to explore options hitherto hidden from us. It does not mean everything we undertake will be successful. But we will certainly understand ourselves and the world much better, preparing us to rise higher after every fall.

It comes from having faith and trust in our inner guidance. Walking a beaten path is not difficult. Creating pathways for others to walk on can make life meaningful. But we can only dream the impossible dream when we trust.

It comes from committing ourselves to a cause. Everything takes time, and often we feel like giving up when the end is closer than we think. We can only continue exploring options around obstacles when we are totally devoted to what we have set out to do. Our principal Fr.D’Mello would often remind us – ‘devotion to duty will determine your destiny’.

It comes from keeping the child alive in us. Children love exploring everything they come across. It keeps them enthusiastic, inquisitive, and constantly in learning mode. The best leaders with responsibilities need the same qualities as well.

Being adventurous and exploring life is not being reckless. It is allowing ourselves to be led into discovering dimensions of life unknown to us.

There is no point in feeling happy that we captain a huge ship if we are not willing to test the waters. We can either live within the confines of our make-believe limitations, or we can experience the limitless wonders of life, waiting to be explored. The choice is ours.

(Pic-Lake Louise, Canadian Rockies)