I’ve posted about being an adrenaline junkie in the past, but I don’t think I went into the details about it.
The S in my personality type ISTP stands for “sensing” as opposed to “iNtuiting” (N). This means I take in the world primarily through my five senses. As an ISTP, the added bonus is that I’m usually more aware of my body’s limits and more in tune with my immediate surroundings compared to some others.
I have pretty quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and can get away with slimmer margins of safety than many other people. Of course, I still recognize the risk of injury (there’s a difference between calculated risk and stupidity, after all). But to someone else, some things that I do can seem outright crazy. To me, it’s not as bad.
The ISTP is nicknamed the “Mechanic,” showing skills with using tools – in the literal and figurative sense. My tools are machines of transportation, which explains why I have so many different ones.
I feel the most alive when I’m riding one of my machines, completely concentrated and unaware of any other distractions. During these times, I can feel every bump in the road and anticipate multiple obstacles. My mind and body become one with the machine.
It’s when I’m challenging myself to the limit, getting an adrenaline high, and putting myself in risky situations that I feel the most serene. Kind of hard to describe in words, but it’s a similar feeling to an athlete “being in the zone.” To me, it’s like meditating. I love every moment of it.
So the next time you see me on my bike, and I don’t seem to see you or wave back, it’s not because I’m ignoring you. I’m just in the zone and having too much fun. Apologies in advance.
Wave to Glen on his bike at randomtidbitsofthought.wordpress.com.
