~Joel ‘s Blog
Smoking Hopium
Even non-smokers smoke hopium from time to time. In fact, lots of people smoke loads of hopium. Especially between major disappointments. So, it is smoked literally from time to time, one time to the next time. It would seem that hopium is just as addictive as its rhyming cousin: opium.
Intense jags of hopium smoking begin with the declaration, “It will be different this time!” Smoking jags are accompanied by considerable avoidance behaviors. Hopium addicts pretend that the laws of the universe won’t apply to them. Secretly, they believe that Forrest Gump got it wrong.
“Stupid isn’t as stupid does.”
At the same time, hopium smokers believe it’s really random circumstance that directs their path in life. So no one can influence how their life goes. “Life is what happens after you make plans” is an anthem for hopium smokers.
But what if they’re wrong? What if personal responsibility and consequences to actions are both true? And what if there are unseen side-effects that come with smoking hopium?
Hopium’s Side-Effects
While there are plenty of undesirable outcomes from smoking hopium, there are some that are far more serious:
- Impulsive decisions
- Wishful thinking
- Delayed engagement
- Unfulfilled resolutions
- Lack of discipline
- Blaming
- Shaming
- Denial
- Reactiveness
- Unhappiness
A hopium habit is counterproductive to a fulfilled, happy and engaged life. Expecting a different outcome from the same inputs is, well, central to smoking hopium. And nuts. Remember the definition of insanity?
Words to Live By
Taking on each day with hope and confidence is exactly what living in a hopium-induced fog is not. Living life from a hope-filled core is based on faith, demonstrated in action and forward steps. A life built on smoking hopium is based on timidity, which is demonstrated in paralysis and lack of movement.
Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. John F. Kennedy
What are your thoughts? Have you experience–direct, or observed–of hopium use?
Engage here.
Well put!