For the adrenaline junkie, the quest is endless. Drugs and alcohol aren’t the only ways to get high. There are many types of thrill-seeking activities, from skydiving and extreme sports to pushing personal limits. Some people even love the rush of combat and will re-enlist to chase that feeling. Others get their adrenaline from crazy relationships that keep their heart rates up.
Although swimming with sharks might be thrilling, two issues come with risky behaviors. First, there are always negative consequences. You need an endless amount to feel truly alive, which keeps you stuck in areas of life that aren’t beneficial. Second, you miss out on all the chances for the natural high that comes from life’s healthy adventures.
Having just returned from an exciting trip, I can attest that dangerous living isn’t a requirement for an adrenaline kick. Traveling to four countries in two weeks and experiencing the thrill of different cultures and constant change was like jet fuel in my veins.
Traveling is only one way to experience life at its fullest. Being fully present to someone else and their needs also transcends the doldrums. This includes all relationships and their associated aspects. Most people are physically present, but mentally someplace else. When you fully merge into someone else’s world, it’s an exciting adventure.
We all have gifts and talents, and when we fully engage in them, we lose track of time and free our minds as we connect with our creative nature.
A good book can also motivate you by letting you experience someone else’s story vicariously. Alternatively, explore your own life story through therapy or other means of personal growth.
Philanthropy also provides a boost. Whether you contribute time or money, making a difference in someone else’s life is the ultimate reward. Pay it forward.
Telling someone how much they mean to you sparks kindness. And being prepared for a good belly laugh gives you the boost from a great sense of humor.
Life is full of fun and excitement. You don’t need to wrestle alligators or drive 100 miles per hour to feel alive. Simply taking risks like stepping out of your comfort zone or discovering a new passion can help you feel fully alive.
After all, isn’t that why we’re here?
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Donna Marks is an educator, licensed psychotherapist, and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. She has worked with over 6,000 clients. Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owns an outpatient treatment program and serves as a consultant to treatment centers. For 36 years, she has taught A Course in Miracles.
Donna is the author of three books: the multi-award-winning title Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and Learn, Grow, Forgive: A Path to Spiritual Success, The Healing Moment: Seven Paths to Turn Messes into Miracles of Love, and her latest fiction, Fortis & Sapiente – A Tale of Two Lovers Who Successfully Navigate the Murky Waters of Love. Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with millions of listeners on podcasts and radio shows.
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