11-26-2018, 01:48 AM
Ok, this is related to the Simon Sinek video just above this post.
He began his talk focusing on 4 main chemicals we use to survive, both good and bad elements. However, he pulled up a 5th chemical up near the end: cortisol. I know it's purely a survival chemical, designed to put us on hyperalert. Simon had some interesting animal analogies showing how it's used in the wild, as when one in a wild herd senses danger, all the others respond similarly.
I learned of this almost 20 years ago when I bought a book on caffeine use, and have never fully kicked my caffeine habit. But here's my concern. In my last post I shared how when I'm on hyperalert watching out for myself, I don't watch out for others. On Thanksgiving Day, I spent some time with my daughter, and we started by going to a local gas station and buying some coffee. I wasn't "off" due to my USLM break, but I felt fearful, not relaxed, while sitting with her sipping coffee. From Sinek's talk, cortisol was high, and I was, in effect, a distant dad. I was habitually looking for the right, perfect thing to say to her, but fearing a mishap with words or intentions. I didn't like how I treated her. Not abusive, just distant. I've done that with her before, and I could have/should have/would have done differently. I'm wondering....."what can I do differently next time?"
This came to mind since I've been waking up and having coffee first the last few months. I did so this morning. I have food in my fridge....but coffee was chosen instead. I tend to leave my human side by the wayside, my creative heartfelt side..... just ignored.
I've used it to calm fears and anxiety.....but my performance side is not the part of me I personally value most. Me giving, loving, and sharing with others is what I value most.
I'm going to head out to work now. One guy I love seeing I've not seen much lately. I need some connection time pre-work hours.
He began his talk focusing on 4 main chemicals we use to survive, both good and bad elements. However, he pulled up a 5th chemical up near the end: cortisol. I know it's purely a survival chemical, designed to put us on hyperalert. Simon had some interesting animal analogies showing how it's used in the wild, as when one in a wild herd senses danger, all the others respond similarly.
I learned of this almost 20 years ago when I bought a book on caffeine use, and have never fully kicked my caffeine habit. But here's my concern. In my last post I shared how when I'm on hyperalert watching out for myself, I don't watch out for others. On Thanksgiving Day, I spent some time with my daughter, and we started by going to a local gas station and buying some coffee. I wasn't "off" due to my USLM break, but I felt fearful, not relaxed, while sitting with her sipping coffee. From Sinek's talk, cortisol was high, and I was, in effect, a distant dad. I was habitually looking for the right, perfect thing to say to her, but fearing a mishap with words or intentions. I didn't like how I treated her. Not abusive, just distant. I've done that with her before, and I could have/should have/would have done differently. I'm wondering....."what can I do differently next time?"
This came to mind since I've been waking up and having coffee first the last few months. I did so this morning. I have food in my fridge....but coffee was chosen instead. I tend to leave my human side by the wayside, my creative heartfelt side..... just ignored.
I've used it to calm fears and anxiety.....but my performance side is not the part of me I personally value most. Me giving, loving, and sharing with others is what I value most.
I'm going to head out to work now. One guy I love seeing I've not seen much lately. I need some connection time pre-work hours.
I want to be FREE!
