Are you tired of sitting around in the same place day in and day out? Maybe you’re looking for a brief escape from the droll repetition that your life has become? If so, then you may need to go on an adventure. Whether it’s a jaunt across town or a road trip across state lines, an escape is an escape. And if you’re in need of inspiration, look no further than the gang from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Surely they can show you how to do it right. Or, in some cases, what to avoid altogether.
Make Sure You’re Prepared
Now that you’ve decided to make a go of this, you’ll need to gather your best friends, hitch up the trailer, and maybe score some wicker chairs and a nice French press before you’re ready for an old-school, map-driven quest to find adventure. You’ll want to do better than the gang here and get this all planned out ahead of time, given that they never actually made it out of Philly, and Dee ended up having her car stolen in the season five episode, “The Gang Hits The Road.” But don’t let that discourage you.
Have Your Personal Soundtrack Ready
You could file this under being prepared, but it’s important enough to warrant mention on its own. If you’re getting out of your comfort zone to go on an adventure, then it’s imperative that you keep some of your favorite music on hand. You never know when you might find yourself stuck with a binder full of nothing but EDM, and when that happens, you’ll be glad you brought those Steve Winwood tunes along for the ride.
Try To Control Your Anxiety
Sure, it can be a little nerve-wracking going on an adventure; no one’s going to deny that. But it’s important to maintain self-control, otherwise you may be traveling tied up in the trunk like Charlie was during the gang’s trip to Atlantic City in the season six episode, “The Gang Gets Stranded in the Woods.” You’ll also want to remember that when things go awry — like swerving to avoid a squirrel and crashing the car — try to look at the situation like Dennis, who chooses to simply “say yes” to new experiences. After all, you’re not going to be able to control everything, and worrying about it is only going to make things worse.
Treat Yourself, And Your Friends
Taking an adventure doesn’t have to mean something elaborate or over the top. Sometimes it means a night out at a nice restaurant with a close friend simply to appreciate each other’s company. If you’re going that route, it’s important to treat evenings like this like a special occasion. So, aside from doing your hair well and layering on the two colognes, treat yourself to a nice glass of wine. Should you see one of your friends dining there, as well, don’t hesitate to send them a drink, as well.
Don’t Be Afraid To Take Chances
Taking chances is all part of the experience, but please maintain reason here. For crying out loud, don’t drive your car into a body of water. Absolutely no good will come of that for anyone — particularly the car.
Take In Some Local Culture
Should you make it far enough to leave the city limits, or even the state lines, this is the perfect opportunity to get out, meet new people, and take in a bit of what life day-to-day is like outside your own limited view of the world. This could be a relaxing an afternoon on the boardwalk, a quiet evening on the beach, or a raucous party boat complete with rum ham. The important thing is that whatever you end up doing, you’ll have these cherished memories to last the rest of your life.
Be Ready To Learn New Things
Maybe the pinnacle of your adventure lies on the top of a mountain (it could be anywhere, I guess, but for the sake of discussion, it’s going to be at the top of a mountain). Now, while Mac and Dennis disagreed on the purpose of an adventure like this, the truth is that they were both right. A place like that mountaintop is perfect for both maximizing your potential and trying new things as well as for partying. Of course, it’s not recommended that you attempt to learn to ski with only two bottles of beer. It may be an adventure, but you’re not invincible.
Welcome Yourself Back Home
Now that you’ve had your adventure and your life is richer because of it, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for your home once you return. Suddenly, everything that was driving you crazy will seem welcoming. Some might even say that the best part of having an adventure is coming home to complete the journey. But don’t worry, your warm sense of complacency will wear off soon enough, and then it’ll be time for a new adventure to start all over again.
