Dal-Chawal Days and Salsa Dreams

Are you seeking security or adventure?

In a world that constantly asks us to choose — chai or coffee, mountains or beaches, work or life — someone recently asked, “Are you seeking security or adventure?” And my brain responded with a dramatic eye roll. Why should I pick one when I can dance with both?

Security is that warm cozy blanket on a winter night. It’s predictable, safe, like your mom’s dal-chawal — never fails, always comforts. But imagine eating dal-chawal every single day. Eventually, you’ll start dreaming of pasta doing the salsa in your kitchen. That’s adventure knocking.

Adventure, on the other hand, is like salsa dancing with that pasta — messy, unpredictable, but oh-so-fun. It’s the unplanned road trip with three confused cousins, two missed turns, and one broken tyre. It’s saying yes to the unknown, even if it means getting a little bruised — or at least losing phone signal.

“Security is knowing what’s next; adventure is wondering what’s next and smiling anyway.”

But let’s be honest. If life were only adventure, we’d be exhausted (and probably bankrupt). Constant thrill without a pause button can burn anyone out. That’s where security winks and says, “Told you so.” And if life were just security? We’d turn into over-cautious coconuts, afraid of our own shadows and permanently stuck in ‘low battery saver mode.’

“Adventure gives the spice. Security gives the plate. Without both, you just have masala on the floor.”

Why can’t we have a life where we zipline and wear a helmet? Where we take career risks but still keep an emergency fund? Where we plan family vacations but leave a day free to wander aimlessly? That’s not indecision. That’s intelligent chaos.

“The real thrill is in building castles… with reinforced foundations and secret trap doors.”

Nope, not picking — I want chill and thrill,
A locked front door and a mountain to hill.
I pack snacks and Band-Aids, just in case,
‘Cause climbing needs chips… and a little grace!
I dream of Mars, but I like my bed,
Safe by night, wild in the head!

Thought to Ponder:
Are you playing life safe or playing it full? Maybe the real magic lies in knowing when to tighten your seatbelt and when to throw your hands up and scream with joy.