There are many different kinds of addictions, and I really believe everyone has one. And as odd as it sounds, no matter what our addiction is, it affects the same part of the brain as someone that is addicted to cocaine.
The brain works its magic in the rewards system of the brain, the mesolimbic pathway. When we experience something that makes us feel good, our brain squirts out a neurotransmitter, dopamine, creating a sudden feeling of euphoria. This is how we learn to pursue behaviors that benefit us.
We do have to be careful when it comes to things that cause us a dopamine rush. We need to make sure that it is truly benefiting us and our families. Some people are addicted to things that could cause a downward spiral such as alcohol or drugs. Some things that may not be as harmful but we still need to be cautious, because buying new expensive things can actually work like an addiction. Think about it.. after you buy something new and shiny it gives you that same 'high'. Then sometimes, after the newness has worn off, you have the desire to go buy something new to get that feeling of euphoria back.
On that same note, we need that rewards system.. we just have to be careful of what we use to get that rush. Some people cook, some people exercise.. some people scrapbook, and some people even skydive! Even a little baby's smile has the same effect on your brain as a major addictive component. (That's probably why we end up smiling when our baby wakes us up 3 times during the night after they smile back!) But my point being, is that we just need to find something that gives us that reward to help us benefit in the long run. We all have an addiction. Think about it...
What's your addiction?
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In reference to addictions, we decided to go fishing this last weekend. And boy did we have a blast!! Every time one of us would pull a fish from the water I would feel that rush, and then when you would wait for the fish to bite, you would feel that anxiousness for it to happen all over again. We were all laughing and smiling the whole time. Jack out fished all of us and caught 3 fish!! Holy toledo, what a little fisherman! Trent caught 2, and I caught one :)
Jack was worried when he pulled them out that they were bleeding. And he had no desire to touch the floppy fish afterwards. Then I realized that when I went fishing (which was a lot) when I was a kid, my dad or uncle would always be the one to unhook the fish. So I did it this time, and whenever the fish would wiggle I would jump! Haha. Jack would ask, "What happened?" Trent would just laugh. Blake had a good time feeding the fish. We all had our roles, and it was such a great experience. We will definitely be doing that again.
Jack was proud being such a good fisherman, but on the way home you could over hear him whispering in the back, "Sorry for making you bleed fish." awww. He's such a good kid. I love my little Jack. Yup, only 4 years old and already providing dinner for his family. Which was delicious by the way! Everyone cleaned their plates so fast :)
I just decided to add a few pictures of my cute family :) - This first picture is one Jack drew of himself. He was putting his J the wrong way for a little while, but he has it solid now!Another thing to celebrate?! Blake is now potty trained! YAY! Way to go Blake! He has been going #1 fabulously for awhile, but we just had to catch him in the act for #2 because for some reason he was afraid of the potty. So we caught him once after a bath and we just kept his diaper off. He wasn't pleased. (He used to just hide in the other room with his diaper on and then come tell me he was 'poopy' haha). As soon as he couldn't hold it any longer he yelled, "Daddy potty! Daddy potty!" Then Trent booked him to the potty, and he's been going ever since :D !
He has been in 'car underwear', which he requested himself, for about 4 days now and has only had one small accident when he didn't make it in time. He's been doing great. And if you ask him, or even if you don't, he will be sure to show you his big boy pants. Way to go Blake!!
