There was a period in my life when I was running a lot and was, for lack of a better term, whacked on endorphins. For some reason I felt calm … and boring. If something was egregious and warranted judgment in the form of a comment from me – be it a subject that I had knowledge on or didn’t; I felt a compelling need to interject my feelings. Now, I’m like “meh … whatever.” I don’t have this overwhelming need to cast emotion on most anything, or everything depending on the day. Endorphins are some powerful drugs and the side affect is apathy.
“Apathy – really Steve, are you really emotionally empty? You seem like such a wellspring of joy and contentment.” OK, maybe not apathetic – but this new healthy state that I am in? It is hands down amazing. I don’t feel anxious and out of sorts. Maybe I am less stressed and it looks like I am less passionate, but actually I am more grounded in my emotions and I guess that relates to being more selective with what I am passionate about.
I was having a discussion with Dr. Hurt about how foods (and beverages … pop, for example) affect us and satiate more than our hunger. Food is a powerful drug that affects our mental and physical health a lot of times negatively. By cutting out pop, Dr. Hurt says he is calmer and more centered. A friend of mine has been a vegan (basically cutting out all tasty things from her diet … she is essentially limited to carrots and air) and she has been feeling “wonderful.”
So I’m exercising (and sweating) a lot, eating less, drinking more water, and feeling wonderful. If you see me in the halls looking spacey and smiling dispassionately, don’t take it personally – I’m not apathetic, I’m grounded.
Steve Simonin, CEO & President
