This past week I have had the opportunity to take on an adventure, I can't believe I actually took it. I still surprise myself that I said yes, almost everything I have ever done has been with a friend or family member. But this past week I have done a camp called Live Up, gone to Big Bear and Joshua Tree, visited friends out of town and rollerbladed on the beach. Now that I am back to reality I don't want to be here, the memories will be overflowing to have been one of the greatest summers yet.
Live Up is a camp for adults with Down Syndrome, my cousin tagged me on a post on Facebook because they were missing one more female buddy. I half heartedly did the application in class just to pass some time in math. The next day I got a call to see if I would finish my application and come to Live Up San Diego. Knowing absolutely nothing I said yes knowing I was leaving right after my last final. I finished all my finals and hopped in the car on my way down to Point Loma. Upon arriving I felt barely to any anxiety, which was something odd for me since I have anxiety going to school every morning, maybe it was the lack of sleep from finals who knows. I was greeted with smiling faces and hugs. First night getting to know everyone was fun and exciting but also scary knowing I was the only one who hadn't done something like this before. But the next day prepared me and I was ready for the day to start.
The weekend flew by, theater, dancing, ping pong, bus rides, more dancing, soccer (which was my favorite), padres game, even more dancing, laughter, joy and exhaustion. Every minute I treasured and soaked up. The joy on everyone's faces made me feel so comfortable. Any form of nervousness or anxiety had fled out of my body. I wasn't prepared for so much fun. Everyone was equal, no one was better than others, I wish the world was full of the people that were at the camp, if it was, the world would be a better place.
I always thought that adventures needed to be planned out step by step but for some reason, with great hesitation, I said yes to adventures. I am so glad I did. I'm so glad that I could actually do something and not feel the pain of anxiety or nervous heart thumping. I realized just being me and getting out there is a lot more fun than sitting at home being scared. Does that mean I will take every opportunity I can? Probably not, but it means with hesitation I can say yes and it can be fun. I surprised myself with the spontaneous adventures but oh, what a good surprise it was.
