Hope and Thurdays: An Introspective Look at American Dope-Mongering

Strange and pervasive thoughts this Friday-eve. As we all gear up for the true beginning of Fall, let's briefly pause to appreciate the moment. Football is upon us, and hope springs eternal. But are we allowing these precious moments to slip by, placing a constant premium on the next big thrill?

It seems to me that, as humans in the technological golden-age, we have become so hypersensitive to the future, we fail to give credence to the immediacy of our existence. The same can be said for dwelling on the past. For some, the past and future aren't just as real as the present, but they're thought about so much they become more real. When this happens are we even alive at all? It's like we can't possibly appreciate one amazing moment unless we have the assurance that there is more to come.

I read a book that explained the phenomenon as the ultimate human tragedy: Bound by our constant thoughts of frailty, we become like dope fiends scrambling to make sure we don't miss a thing.

Don't fall victim to this constant looking forward! Recognize that Saturday will be fun, but don't allow it to consume your Thursday. If you look hard enough, there will always be a bigger game, bigger thrill, bigger dope rush.

Take what you're doing now, do it well, and -- most importantly -- enjoy it.