Laura Kelley has always been drawn to the thrill of adventure. Since she was a child, the idea of jumping out of a plane thousands of feet above the Earth had been on her list. So when she moved to Colorado 18 years ago to embrace the state’s adventurous offerings, she was living her dream. However, in 2020, her active lifestyle came to a halt after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
For Kelley, not being able to move freely and enjoy the outdoors was frustrating. She knew that once she was able, she would go to extreme lengths to regain her mobility and experience the thrill of adventure again. Emily Hemendinger, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, understands this desire for adventure but warns that it can sometimes lead to an addictive mentality.
Hemendinger emphasizes the importance of paying attention to our relationship with nature and approaching life as one big adventure rather than just seeking out high-risk activities. By doing so, we can maintain a balance between our desire for thrill and potential risks involved in these activities.
Kelley believes that life is an adventure worth pursuing to its fullest extent and that we should make the most of our time on Earth by embracing all opportunities that come our way. Whether it’s skydiving or simply taking a walk in nature, every experience is a chance to appreciate the beauty and wonder of life.
In conclusion, Colorado offers many opportunities for thrill-seekers like Laura Kelley who are drawn to high-risk activities like skydiving. While these experiences can be exhilarating, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between our desire for adventure and potential risks involved in these activities by approaching life as one big adventure rather than just seeking out high-risk activities alone.
