Spontaneous Brain (You, Happier)

We all have different brain types, as Dr. Amen explains in his book You, Happier. One kind of brain type I have is a spontaneous brain type which is not uncommon for those with bipolar disorder. See, drugs for bipolar dopamine (i.e. Depakote and Lithium) lower dopamine which leads to the spontaneous brain (not enough dopamine). If I was to write a book about my brain, I’d probably call it something like Seeking Dopamine.

Here are the things Dr. Amen suggests makes people with the Spontaneous Brain happy (Note: These are not my original ideas; these are Dr. Amen’s. I’m just someone with a Spontaneous Brain weighing in)

· Trying new things. True, it makes me feel accomplished and multitalented

· Suprises. On my birthday, my boyfriend took me to the Melting Pot. He called ahead of time and they sprinkled the table with rose petals and there were balloons bobbing on the table.

· Getting off work. Not true, I love my work. Then again, I have a rather unorthodox job.

· Brainstorming. I’ve always loved sitting down with my pen and paper and coming up with poem ideas, blog ideas, short story ideas, Christmas present ideas. The brainstorming part is probably my favorite phrase.

· Creative projects. Just kidding. I love all aspects of a creative project.

· Deciding to fly to Europe the next day. I don’t think this will ever happen but if it did I’d be more overwhelmed than happy (that’s the Cautious Brain weighing in).

· Moving to a new place. I’ve never done this so I can’t attest to how it would be but I’d be a mess of a cliché missing my friends, family and boyfriend and monthly poetry slams.

· Having multiple interests. Just to name a few my interests include writing, self-help, sharks, serial killers, strange diseases, urban legends and reading.

· Trying an extreme sport. HELL YES! The most extreme sport I’ve ever done was parasailing but I would love to try my hand at something like rappelling up a waterfall or cagediving with sharks. And then if I survive I’ll let you know how it went!

· Watching scary movies. I love scary movies. I’m down for paranormal thrillers, slashers, creature features, anything that gets my heart racing. I love jump scares just because I love to feel my heart move in its chest.

· Staying up all night. From the time I hit high school, I loved all nighters. They feel so intimate and fun. In high school, I did them with my youth group. In college, I did them with my floor. Now with my meds, I don’t have the energy for an all nighter anymore but I have fond memories of the days I did.

· Playing devil’s advocate to get a rise out of people. Okay, I NEVER did this.

One more thing: Spontaneous Brain is associated with ADD/ ADHD but obviously there are exceptions (like me and many others).