What Pumps Your Adrenaline?

Today I have a special treat to kick off my new website (hope you all like!).

Recently, I enjoyed a stimulating dinner conversion with two of my dearest girlfriends, Dixie Longate, the red headed wonder and Tupperware saleswoman extraordinaire…

 

…and Mindschmootz (or Mary), another wonder woman of extraordinary heart,  mind…

and guts!

 

Over more than a few cocktails, we discussed what turns us on, revs our engine, lights our fire…in essence, what produces that addictive bio-chemical that can simultaneously terrify and exhilarate: adrenaline.

Given that we all blog, we decided to write jointly on the topic. Before I reveal what excites me personally, I’ll first share a bit of what holds me back from living larger and having more fearless fun.

Growing up with a father in the fast lane, I began hitting the brakes early on, whenever we were in danger of spinning out of control. Alas, I’ve often found myself bracing for the other shoe to drop, rather than diving daringly into life’s ocean of opportunity.

Unlike my father, I’m often more careful than care-free, due in large part to a deep-seated fear of falling. This age-old aversion prevents me from participating in many activities that involve potential crash landings: rollerblading, snowboarding, water skiing. Basically, I’m no fan of anything that causes this wimp to wipeout.

 

My objection to falling is closely related to my fear of failing. Both involve feelings I prefer to avoid, namely pain and embarrassment. Nowadays, with my wildly successful career as a Super hand model, I run the risk of breaking not only bones, but also (god forbid) a nail!

While I may not be very ballsy, I’ve always been drawn to people with big cajones.  In grammar school, I was first intrigued by a girl named Rachel, who excelled at anything into which she put her mind (or fist). Rachel was a star athlete who beat the boys at sports (and beat up anyone she didn’t like), all the while looking glamorous in her ever-changing, highly fashionable wardrobe and perfectly placed feathered locks.

Post-Rachel, my primary crushes continue to be risk-taking, bad-ass, adrenaline-junky types. I get a rush every time I watch Matt Hoffman fly through the air on his BMX bike, or Shaun White defy gravity on his skateboard, or Kelly Slater ride the force of nature’s most powerful waves.

While I get real pleasure from spectator sports, oddly I’m more afraid of falling a few feet onto hard concrete than I am of tumbling through the air a few thousand feet above ground. Recently, I sky dived in Santa Barbara!

I’m not sure I can explain this strange paradox except to say that I figure if the parachute failed, I’d be dead on impact (without much pain or embarrassment). Guess I’m counting on better karma than that of a flattened fly on high-speed windshield this lifetime.

I’ve also found that shyness has caused me to shy away from confidently pursuing my bliss. I love singing and dancing, but more often show little ambition or willingness to bare my soul if others are watching.

Although I’ve clearly missed my chance to compete on So You Think You Can Dance  (my favorite TV show), dancing remains a primary passion. My mother’s too…

 

I remember watching her lose herself beautifully in movement, to the sounds of tribal drumming…and occasionally the wonders of psychedelics.

 

Dancing, much like catching a wave, connects me with something greater than myself. When I’m able to truly let go, it’s as if I’m being moved momentarily by a divine force that aligns my heart and soul in harmonious rhythm. During these liberations, every cell of my body feels truly alive!

 

Mother Nature similarly transports me with her magnificent moods. My most sacred revelations have come through the all-knowing trees and sounds of the sea.  Originally from New Orleans,  I miss the thunderstorms almost as much as my family. One of the most glorious moments of my life was on Lake Pontchartrain after a hurricane in my father’s boat…

The sky was electric, and the colors vibrant and vivid, as if angels were winking through the clouds.

Coming from a rich culinary background, great food and vino always light the fires within. I love nothing more than connecting with fascinating people to share ideas, insights and stories…. And I think you’ll agree that both Dixie and Mary are supreme examples if you click to read their thoughts on the topic at hand.

There’s always more to the conversation about what sparks the spirit, so if you’re inspired to share what fuels your fires, I’d love to hear in the “comments” section!

As for me, sure, I could push myself into other adrenaline packed avenues in order to overcome my old fear of falling. Still, I doubt you’ll EVER see me on roller skates!

With every part and all my heart,
Adele

 

 

Handy Tip

Whether you’re an outdoorsy type or not, you can look beautifully kissed by the sun with a customized spray tan or by using an at-home sunless tanning product. Chocolate Sun, my favorite company, offers both options. Their entire line of skin care products is made from botanicals, herbs and antioxidants that actually benefit the skin.

I especially appreciate that the results are as natural looking as the ingredients. The skin appears gorgeous and glowing rather than looking like an Oompa Loompa.

Unlike other artificial sunless tanning products, Chocolate Sun’s formulas smell delicious (that is, if you’re one of those weird people who like chocolate).

My favorite at-home tanning product is Chocolate Sun’s Cocoa Glow Enhancer. It’s a great way to maintain and prolong a spray tan – and it works well on its own.

Make sure to exfoliate your skin thoroughly with a bath glove or loofah before applying any sunless tanning product in order to create an even finish and avoid blotchiness.

And whether your tan is a fake or you prefer to bake, always remember to wear a good sunblock!