[Sheryl85]

I was talking with some friends the other day and one guy that is a recovering alcoholic with 33 years made the statement that he was an adrenaline junkie. It use to be that he just had to have the excitement whether it was a new relationship, a fast car, a fast motorcycle, whatever; he always wanted that rush of being pumped up. (He’s much better now days… married to the same lady for nearly 30 years, but still likes the fast toys like his Harley and his Crossfire.) During our discussion we hit on the fact that there are many different things that give us that feeling of being pumped up and relationships are among the lot. I for one loved the early days of relationships because it gave me a rush of endorphins and would curb my appetite (weight was a control issue with me as well). I have a feeling that anything that you have to have that supplements or enhances a natural emotion can be abusedand therefore can become addictive. I use to be that I had to have a man in my life to make me feel complete. Today I’m okay with who I am and the relationship is just and extension of my life… it’s not my whole life.

Personally, I ascribe to a 12-Step Program that is spiritually based. I also have my religious devotions that I am comfortable with. Between the two, or because of these beliefs that focus on God, I have become comfortable in my own skin. I don’t have to have that jolt of adrenaline to make me feel alive anymore. (And personally an extra-marital affair would seem to be way too time and energy consuming. I have difficulty keeping up with one man in my life without adding to the situation. Not only that, but guilt would tend to burn up any of the adrenaline it might create. I could be wrong…)

When I’m in good spiritual condition, I find it is okay just to go through each day as it is and that seems to be as much of an adventure as I need now days.