HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE 7R+ ALLELE?

I’ve never been afraid of change. I love going to new places and learning how people live, work, and eat. I just recently learned that inheriting at least one copy of the 7R+ allele is associated with an increased likelihood to travel, explore, and discover new foods, places, and people. According to Genex Diagnostics, around 20% of the people around the world have this “wanderlust” gene.

More explicitly, the 7R+ allele is a mutation in the gene DRD4 which is responsible for restless behavior. People with this variant are more likely to take risks ranging from exploring new places and foods to new relationships and drugs. I’m thankful that my risk-taking only includes new places, new foods, meeting new people, and enjoying lower-level adrenaline-boosting activities.

Carriers of the 7R+ allele have been shown to exhibit enhanced creativity, focus, and risk-taking abilities.

I have a need for speed, and I love ziplining. Jumping out of a plane was on my bucket list until I realized my porous bones would probably crumble into dust upon impact with the earth. Since turning 20, I have moved to eight cities in six states where I knew no one before moving there. And solo travel is one of my favorite things in life. I view myself as a shy introvert, but that leaves me at a loss to explain how I’ve met so many wonderful people and had so many amazing experiences.

Stay or Go?

Statistically, people tend to settle within 20 miles or so of their hometown. Richard Florida, in his book “Who’s Your City”, divided people into three broad categories: the mobile those who can pick up and move to opportunity), the stuck (those who lack resources to leave where they are), and the rooted (those who have the means and opportunity, but choose to stay).

Digging a little deeper, I think those who choose to stay close to home most likely have strong bonds with family and friends which creates a solid support system. Feeling like they don’t belong is a reason why many people leave. Why would someone choose to root themselves in an environment where they have suffered from emotional abuse? I personally know some who have been strong and stubborn enough to do just that. They’ve become successful at home and in business, much to the surprise of many who bet otherwise. Those people have always possessed a strong sense of self, and for that, I admire them greatly.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Moving out of your hometown, however, can be exhilarating so don’t friends or family talk you out of it. Stepping out of your comfort zone provides the opportunity to learn independence, change your prospective, and gives you a new sense of freedom. Many people leave after high school graduation and may or may not return. Retirees often seek a location with a slower pace and a warmer climate. Whatever your reason, be prepared to experience a degree of homesickness. Instead of giving into it, distract yourself by going to a farmers market or an art festival, or a nice dinner.

How about you, dear reader? Did you stay or go? Did you leave and come back? I’m curious to hear your experiences.

These are great resources for discovering where life may next lead you!