The excitement of the first times: an unforgettable experience

We have all been beginners on the journey of life. We are more so in our youth, when with a mixture of fear and desire we enter into experiences that are unknown to us. Love is usually, by far, that rehearsal in the theater of existence that, over time, we improve from falls, disappointments and great discoveries.

The excitement of the first times is rarely forgotten. This neurological mechanism that orchestrates our approach to unexplored vital scenarios is mediated by complex neurotransmitters. This explains why, often, when we cross the threshold of what is safe to go into the unknown, we experience a curious mix of fear, insecurity and attraction.

And there is something undeniable: we often miss that heartfelt tingle when embracing novelty. We would love, for example, to forget that we have read a certain book or watched a certain movie or series, to relive the same sensations. We always have that nostalgia, that of someone approaching for the first time what will forever mark their life, in one way or another.

Although our first loves did not end well, they are experiences that we do not regret having lived.

The excitement of the first times: the motivated brain

How long ago did you do something “for the first time”? Start a new language, have new friends and even travel to a place we didn’t know. Novelty experiences are some of the most rewarding, because they outline a series of experiences that human beings should never give up, no matter how old they are.

It doesn’t matter that we are in the autumn of life; loving again, traveling and continuing to learn, are dimensions that will be worth it today, tomorrow and always. It’s more, Those emotions of the first times are like vitamins for the brainlike arteries through which motivation and even psychological well-being flow.

In fact, although it is possible that many of our first times left us a little traumatized (loves that went wrong or wrong decisions, combined with disappointments), if we do not cross this line we will always be in the anteroom of waiting, of not experiencing. Sometimes, it is necessary to overcome that barrier to challenge ourselves.

Novelty, dopamine and reward systems

The Rotman Research Institute in Canada conducted a study on how the brain processes novel stimuli and experiences. These situations “light up,” so to speak, the brain. It is activated from the limbic system, the hippocampus, cortical areas, the anterior and inferior cingulate cortex, the putamen and medial prefrontal cortex, etc.

However, The emotion of the first times is dominated by a very specific neurotransmitter: dopamine. Any sensation of novelty is orchestrated by this neurochemical that modulates multiple experiences in us. Our mood improves, we feel more motivated and oriented towards new goals.

Likewise, stress is reduced and the mind becomes more creative.. How to deny it? Entering new life scenarios is like feeling infinite tickles. Everything is possible and, although we may have anxiety, positive emotions outweigh those of negative valence.

The first times and they should never stop happening

It is true that, at times, we are impregnated by nostalgia. That sticky emotion could make us believe that certain situations will no longer return. It deceives us by telling us that the beauty of some experiences of yesterday will not be repeated. It is common to think that there are unrepeatable loves, unique books and places that cannot be compared to any other. Could be.

However, assuming that we will no longer experience the excitement of the first times is dangerous. It is like someone who locks himself in a house, closes the windows and chooses not to go out into life anymore. Although we may not believe it, there are thousands of people, situations and scenarios with the power to make us feel the pleasure of newness again.

Let us remember the book of Arabian Nights. Scheherazade told a story every night to the Sultan, trying to attract his interest so as not to be sacrificed. In the end, the pleasure, curiosity and desire to hear a new story every day made the cruel regent decline in the idea of ​​her and fall in love with the young woman.

People are “programmed” to seek and enjoy news. Curiosity is in our genes, without forgetting that we are emotional beings who long to feel, in order to live fully.

Openness to experience and novelty is linked to intelligence.

Intelligence and openness to experience

There is an interesting fact that we must consider. Intelligence is that competence that allows us to solve the most diverse problems in order to favor our adaptation. Likewise, we know that The most intelligent people are those who are open to novel experiences. This tendency allows them to acquire new learning, which contributes to their advancement and development.

We should not, therefore, deny ourselves the opportunity to no longer feel the excitement of the first times. As we noted at the beginning, we will never stop being beginners on the journey of existence. We will always have something left to learn, to try, to discover. Maybe lor new scare, but taking the step enables us to gain new wisdom and the most varied pleasures.

Final note

What did you do today that you’ve never done before? There is no need to take a plane and go on an adventure. In reality, opening ourselves to new experiences can be very simple and stimulating. Reading a book, listening to new songs, joining a different sport and meeting interesting people are great ways to inject dopamine.

Childhood and youth are not an exclusive territory for “first times”. That emotion is ageless, it is eternal and it is accessible to any of us. It is enough just to promote it, to go out and look for it.

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