Cookie The Slapdash Adventurer

I HAVE LITERALLY NONE OF THE QUALITIES REQUIRED

I’ve lived and breathed adventure since I was a child.

From the moment I could turn the pages of a book I’ve poured over images of polar explorers, mesmerised by icicles growing off noses, hair whipping frozen cheeks, eyes staring wildly out of fur-lined hoods and impossible terrain reflected in battered goggles.

I knew from an early age that this was what I wanted to do. It was in my blood to visit the most remote and inhospitable places on earth, to push limits and set an example of what determination and perseverance can do. To be a real-life adventurer.

Imagine my disappointment, then, to find out that I’m unquestionably crap at it.

The truth is, I’m far too slapdash to be a proper adventurer. I have precisely none of the qualities required.

‘Oh, it’ll be alright,’ I tell myself. ‘I’ll just do it and see what happens.’

Inevitably what happens is that it all goes horribly wrong.

Like the time I was airlifted off the Everest Base Camp trail with severe altitude sickness.

Or the time I was hanging off the side of a ship, got my timing wrong, fell ten feet and squashed one of the most remote islanders on Earth.

Or the time I was blasted down a steep slope of volcanic ash by a sudden gale in Iceland and was forced to ‘abort mission’.

Or the time I set fire to my own tent and almost died of hypothermia (slight exaggeration – I slept in my car).

It used to churn me up inside that I wasn’t good enough. It hurt to be called the ‘Bridget Jones of Adventure’ by armchair experts. It hurt even more to be called ‘delusional’ by those who pick fault from the safety of their comfort zone. It was embarrassing to report yet another adventure that had ended in chaos and to see eyes rolling.

I felt highly inadequate for a long time until I decided to draw a line, stop focusing on who I’m not and work with who I am.

I am an adventurer … just a crap one. And that’s okay. I’m Cookie Taylor, The Slapdash Adventurer!

I love taking risks. I love screwing up. I love hearing myself screech with delight at my own stupidity. And I love the fact that I fail at most of the things I try.

Why?

Because failure is not the opposite of success; failure is the path to success – and if you’re enjoying the hell out of your life, making your dreams happen and embracing the journey, flaws and all, you’re already well on that path.