Victory Hangover (Highest Excitement Part 4)

Monday I woke up with a hangover.

No, not from drinking. (Do people still drink?)

From the sustained physical and emotional energy of exclusively “following my highest excitement” for the past week.

On Friday Kayla, the kids and I continued the experiment family style – hiking through falling snow in the majestic Rocky Mountains before stuffing ourselves with pulled taffy in Estes Park.

Then, Saturday was full-on: four different rock shows at three venues for FoCoMX. I danced, moshed, and vibed with friends both old and new.

Huxley and I stayed up until 4 in the morning in deep father-son conversation… then went out to breakfast. I played in a roller hockey game. We closed the day with a sunset picnic in the flower gardens.

I could feel a crash coming.

A strange sadness started to creep in.

Was it the recognition of the fleetingness of even the most beautiful moments?

Was it my dopamine system begging to recalibrate?

Was it the pressure of “how do I top that?”

Kayla, who’s been reading “Unbound – A Woman’s Guide to Power” by Kasia Urbaniak called it a victory hangover.

And it got me wondering:

Is there a limit to following excitement before the magic wears off?

Does each peak experience just set the bar higher for the next?
If every day is a “day at the beach,” are beach days still special?

Here’s what I’m learning:

Following my excitement isn’t a formula, it’s a relationship – with life, with self, with sensation.

And today, that relationship asked for something gentler.

Not “what’s the most exciting thing I can do?” But instead: “what does my body actually want?”

Rest and recovery held the most excitement – “boring” as that might seem.

Excitement came in subtler ways:

“Take your time.”

“I want water.”

“Sitting feels great.”

And that’s a huge realization.

Because “highest excitement” isn’t always the most exciting.

It’s not a rollercoaster mandate.

It’s a subtle sensation, distinguishable from the lookalikes of anxiousness or desire.

It’s not FOMO.
It’s not “I think this is what I want”

It’s more like… knowing when to pee.

Not in the brain – in the body.

What does this all mean for my art, my business, my life goals?

I’m not sure yet.

But it feels like I’m in a different coaching program.
One where I’m the sole agent of action.

No “should.” Just “could”.

No to-do lists.
And yet… things keep getting done.

I’m stepping out of analysis paralysis – and into receiving the fullness of what is already here.

I still don’t know how this will circle back to the economic realities of keeping my dreams alive.

But maybe…
that’s the biggest trust fall of all.

TTFN

~Ry

PS: I’ve been getting some interesting responses/reflections to this experiment from readers – always feel free to respond to emails, DM me on socials or text (303-931-3958) with any feedback / comments! I love knowing when something resonates for you ❤️ (Or if you just think I’m crazy!)

Image: Rooted Growth – Watercolor & Ink (Live Painted) – Original/Prints Available.