We talk about emotions
All the inner explosions
But there’s a spark we sometimes forget
The hormones we just call “sweat”

The natural ignitions of words we can’t describe
Yet we run to something someone can prescribe
Do you remember what makes you feel alive?
Or has that become a memory used to survive?

I’ll add a little personal touch
Dopamine isn’t my crutch
But I live my life fueled to fly
A heart generated high

I train, compete and create
I listen, work and debate
All of a different adrenaline
A blend of my own feminine

A rush breaking through your own wall
A thrill getting up after every fall
It goes way past winning
Like a new way of grinning

I love the drip of sweat rolling down
I know that adrenaline is around
I love the breath that leads to a smile
I know that adrenaline will last a while

-Grace

Author’s Note – This is almost like a continuing thought from my last piece “athlete mentality”. I talked about “dopamine knocking on the door” in that one and this piece is like the aftermath of that knock. I love my adrenaline rushes throughout my days – all of slightly different kinds to maintain my inner balance/flow. I think we take our natural hormones for granted and forget what a true gift they are…those natural highs are what make us amazingly human and fully alive.