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It’s been pretty quiet on my blog and Facebook page, lately, as my hubby took a few days off to celebrate our tenth anniversary! For this special occasion, we decided to do something we’ve never done before. We went zip-lining! If you’re thinking, “Isn’t an anniversary supposed to be romantic??”, maybe you and your hubby need to have an adventure, too!
Aren’t we styling?! 
Why Have an Adventure
Sure, you can go out for a nice dinner. It’s… nice. But answer me this: will you remember it? Honestly, there is only one anniversary dinner out that I remember well. Everything else is either forgotten or really vague. For as long as I live, I don’t think I’ll EVER forget jumping off of platforms dozens of feet up a tree to zip through the air to another tree! We made memories that will last.
When you go new places and do new things, you build new neural pathways in your brain. Think of it like exercising and strengthening your brain. Part of the excitement of “falling in love” when you are first getting to know your hubby has to do with this. Interacting with a new person builds new neural pathways and actually alters your brain. This can help to create a feeling of closeness. Since we already know our hubbies fairly well (but, don’t assume you know everything about them!), we can use the neural pathways formed by new experiences WITH our men to get that feeling. It has a bonding effect, but only if the experience is a positive one. We want both people to be challenged, not tortured, by the experience. For example, my hubby isn’t crazy about heights. If I had coerced him into zip-lining, he wouldn’t have had any fun. Since he decided that he really wanted to challenge himself, it was a positive experience for both of us! 
If you choose an adventure that is also a bit thrilling, you have the added benefit of adrenaline. Adrenaline, in a fun situation, also has a bonding effect. “Falling in love” is usually a very adrenaline-packed event, so adrenaline can be used the same way as those spiffy neural pathways!
Click here to watch a video!
(The video isn’t from the most flattering angle, but the nervous goat-like noise I make at the beginning is so worth it! This was our first “black diamond” jump, with means it was really long and REALLY high!)
How to Have an Adventure
If zip-lining doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, here’s a list of ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Some of these have the added benefit of being adrenaline-producing, but not all. These are things we discussed, but please do share your own ideas in the comments!
- Rock climbing and repelling
- Canoeing
- Camping
- Hiking/outdoor exploring
- Traveling (don’t forget to think local, not just long-distance!)
- Learn a new language
- Try new ethnic foods
- Festivals
- Museums
- Hot air ballooning
Remember, you can’t base a relationship on adventures, but a little excitement might be just what your marriage needs to spice things up a bit! Be flexible and try things that you never thought you’d do. Have a good attitude and be a good sport.
What kinds of adventures have you had with your hubby? What would you like to try in the future?
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I enjoyed your post very much. My husband just traded his “cruiser” motorcycle for a Goldwing wich is a touring bike that has a big comfy seat and he did it so that I can ride with him!! I’m SO EXCITED. We are going on our first adventure this afternoon although it will have to be pretty local since the kids get out of school at 3:30!!! I never knew that about the neuro pathways. I do know that it is beneficial for me to have this time with him! Thanks for sharing!
I hope you two are having a blast! Fun!
Thanks for the comment!
I love this, Justyn! So fun! This is totally right up our alley, but I had never thought about why these were the most memorable anniversaries. Thanks for linking up with Fellowship Fridays at Christian Mommy Blogger!
Thanks, Leigh Ann! I’m glad you liked it. I’m excited to watch the link-up grow- it’s such a great idea!
[...] to try new foods, go new places, learn new things and challenge himself. For our tenth anniversary we went zip-lining and he is afraid of heights! I love that he was willing and eager to do it. I know that a big part [...]