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Finding adventure in job is mindset

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Nicole Langley
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
From vacations to errands, I like to think of activities in terms of adventures. It gives everything I do a much more 'Indiana Jones'-like feel!

When I commissioned into the Air Force a little more than two years ago, I wasn't sure how long I would stay in or where I might end up, but did know one thing for sure -- I was embarking on one incredible adventure!

Although my Air Force adventure isn't ending at this point, it's about to head in a new direction. In July, I volunteered for an opportunity to do public affairs and protocol work at Thule Air Base, Greenland, and today is my last day at Dover Air Force Base and my last day overseeing The Airlifter.

In the past few weeks, many have asked why in the world I would volunteer to go to a base that happens to be just a few hundred miles from the North Pole. Over and over again, I've replied, "I think it will be an awesome adventure!"

After all, in addition to serving my country, I joined the Air Force to travel to some obscure and exotic locations. True, Greenland may be a little more obscure than most places ...

While I certainly don't have the experience and wisdom under my belt that many across this base have, I think that my idea of 'adventuring' is a frame of mind that most people could benefit from by applying to their own lives.

If you approach each new assignment, job or activity with this frame of mind, it's much easier to see the positive side of things and be motivated to go the extra mile. If you consider your job an adventure, it's difficult to describe it with words such as boring, mundane or unimportant. Instead, it's much easier to roll out of bed each morning, excited for what the day might hold.

In my case, my willingness to volunteer for some seemingly crazy opportunities has made my adventure at Dover unforgettable!

From serving as a 'victim' for a 436th Security Forces Squadron military working dog demonstration to pumping blue juice out on the flightline with the 436th Aerial Port Squadron Fleet Services Flight, I've not only had some rather unique experiences, I've gotten to share the stories of the hardworking, dedicated Team Dover Airmen through articles in this newspaper and online.

I wouldn't trade the adventure I've had here at Dover for anything, and I'm confident that the next phase of my Air Force adventure will be equally rewarding.

Just think what you might accomplish or where you might end up if you apply an 'adventuring' mindset to your own life!