Why Are You Out There?

Two ships belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company trading with some Inuit in the Savage Islands in 1819. Robert Hood did the drawing. I suppose he had a reason for being there, but what would you have answered to the same question, 'Why are you out there?'

William Longyard in his book A Speck on the Sea attempts to answer that question. In fact, he gives 8 possible places to go looking for a reason. Here they are. You can slot yourself in wherever you find a good fit...
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1 - Survival - Being out wasn't your idea, but staying alive is.
2 - Curiosity - You had to finally learn what was around that point in the distance.
3 - Money - That's why the Hudson's Bay Company was out there!
4 - Political - You're escaping from a regime that's oppressing you.
5 - Technical - You just have to test the new gadget you've designed.
6 - Personal - Tired of being a whimp, you're going to prove them wrong.
7 - Quest - Tired of your dull life, you set out on a quest for something better.
8 - Fame - You hunger to be known and admired by others.

So there you have it. Slot yourself in and wonder no longer. We all fall into one or more of these categories at some point or another. We may even slip from one to another as time and trips go by. That's okay, just as long as you're out there, having fun, building skills and confidence with a smile on your face and a fire in your heart.