PT 360 - July 2021

PT 360 - July 2021

Getting you back to the life you want to live.

360

JULY 2021

In Touch

A'S AND T'S AND C'S AND G'S

you can take it to other genetic analysis groups to look at some of these genetic mutations. Of course, I followed that rabbit hole! What I found was enlightening to say the least. You have probably noticed that I talk a LOT about goal setting and priorities. (And to say that I appreciate each and every one of you taking the time to read my little diatribes is a gross understatement. I love hearing back from you!). I discovered that I am heterozygous (meaning I have a copy from each of my parents) for a genetic mutation that makes me produce a more than normal amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine. First, dopamine is the neurotransmitter that gets really low with Parkinson’s, so yay, protected from that! Dopamine is also the “feel good” neurotransmitter. It has been called the “Kim Kardashian” of neurotransmitters, but I think it’s more Cyndi Lauper. It’s big, it’s involved in all the things that are “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll,” but it’s a chemical. Dopamine is linked to addiction, risk- taking, gambling, cupcakes! Folks with this genetic mutation are 44% more likely to be cocaine addicts — whoa! It is also called a motivation and movement molecule, linked with “willpower.” Dopamine is highly linked to executive function, like focus and attention, and, wait for it ... goal setting. People with this genetic mutation are very focused on goals, keeping the “eye

on the prize.” So interesting that our in/ability to do EVERYTHING we need is almost exclusively brain chemistry as much as moral character. This mutation also produces happier people. Small things that produce joy register as much as a large event might for someone else (there’s a study on that!). Hence, in these COVID times, with a raft of rock ‘em sock ‘em punches daily, you might just as likely hear me say “Oof” as “Look at that sunset!” with a smile. I am grateful for my neurochemistry. All of this put together BLEW MY MIND. Things that I thought were just “my personality” were in fact predetermined by my genetics. Well, predetermined as much as my life choices have also facilitated a positive outcome (master’s and two doctorates) rather than a negative one (yay for not being a cocaine or methamphetamine addict!). I do highly value making a difference in the places I can, and putting my time there. I hold on to the saying that “If it’s not hard, it won’t change you.” I’ve never minded the hard, in fact, I prefer to lean in, because I’ll get to the other side faster, and GROW. I’ll keep learning and stretching, and that’s my jam. My wish for you is that you clear your plate for your three things, or, even better, your one thing. Meeting those goals turns you into someone new, and while I do feel now more like a mouse in a B.F. Skinner rewards box, the rewards are pretty sweet.

I had my DNA analyzed a few years ago through 23 and Me. It mostly wasn’t exciting, and no big surprises (which I was hoping for, because, really, surprises are more fun). I’m more likely to think cilantro tastes like soap (nope), and also more likely to be eaten by mosquitoes (yep — stand by me, you’ll be safe). As usual, my very curious brain started me on an investigatory path to find out why I had been having some B12 absorption issues (and thank God for B12 injections, a real life-giving elixir). As a Google-aholic, my constant questions can be satiated with finding immediate answers, and dive deeper. I LOVE that ability on a level that might be a little pathologic. 23 and Me does not examine certain common genetic mutations, but will provide raw >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

pt-360.com

Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog