I’ve been married to Elijah for 6 years now, and together for 11 years total. Although our lives have changed drastically since we first met, one thing has remained the same, we still chase adventures together.
I’m convinced adventure is one of the best-kept secrets for a thriving marriage. Without it, life loses its spark, the days become a blur and life feels mundane; we get bored, and that ultimately affects how we feel about our spouse. When you plan to spend decades with the same person, you must continue to find ways to enjoy the journey. And if you can continue to grow your love as you grow older together, you have won the game of marriage.
I often think that it’s crazy to have been with someone for 11 years and still truly enjoy spending time together. You’d think by now we would be bored, but the secret is adventure.
Ever since Elijah and I have met, we’ve gone on regular “dates” to new places. We go on hikes together weekly, most of the time to the same places but we try to throw in some new places every now and then. We’ve traveled the country together, from moving to Nevada for six months, exploring the high desert, to long roadtrips to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the Texas hill country, the Florida beaches, to many other states. Our 3-month-long trip to Italy and Spain was a big one, where we got to experience completely new cultures, foods, and views.
These expeditions have yet given us so many beautiful memories that we look back on with joy. It’s what has given our relationship its depth and character. It’s what has drawn us closer and strengthened our bond.
If you’re wondering how to bring more adventure into your own marriage, start small. Commit to one new date a week. It could be as simple as driving to a park or trail you’ve never visited, or trying a restaurant in a neighboring town. Once every 6 months, plan something bigger— a weekend trip somewhere further from home, explore a new city, go deep into the forest somewhere, or just take a road trip with no strict itinerary.
You don’t need a big budget or perfect timing. You just need a willingness to step outside your everyday routine. Those little (or big) adventures will be sure to build some lasting memories, add some excitement to your relationship, and remind you why you fell in love in the first place.
