Dopamine and moms

Have you had your daily dose of dopamine? Chances are, if you’re a woman, you have.

I got to thinking about this when I heard a little segment on the Today Show this morning about the possible brain chemistry of people like the Wallendas or Knievels. You know, like Alex Wallenda walking and (gasp, as if walking was not daring enough) cycling across a high wire 12 NYC stories high. The possible predisposition to dare-devil activity and adventures may have something to do with dopamine… genetically.

Hmmm. So, as a woman, the dopamine levels in our brains may explain:

1. hopping over 3 rows of seats while traveling 65 mph to moderate a backseat altercation

2. driving with a hot coffee while talking on your cell phone to your pediatrician, in a no-cell-phone zone

3. grocery shopping… with even 1 child

4. vacuuming with an infant strapped in a carrier across your chest, while talking on the phone

5. cooking dinner with 3 little helpers, all trying to stir the raw egg batter for the meatballs

6. clothes shopping for a very important event while the kids disappear under every garment rack

7. eating in a restaurant… with kids

8. making an appointment for a 3-hour haircut and color, and then lunch with friends.. nah, not enough dopamine for that

9. wearing 4-inch heels. Anywhere.

10. explaining to the emergency room staff that the bump on your daughter’s head is from her HER vacuuming in your 4-inch heels with a doll strapped in an infant carrier across her chest while talking on her tiny plastic phone

Yes, ladies… dopamine is a wonderful thing. Congrats, Alex Wallenda on your amazing feat of adventure and daring! Now, don’t you think that the Today Show should be following one of us around?