We are living in the midst of a new phenomenon; a time of opportunity and hope in which we can seize what the world has to offer and mold it into the foundations of a grand and remarkable life. And our motto? YOLO: You Only Live Once. Also, I'm joking.
YOLO is a brief mention in the chorus of the song "The Motto" by former Degrassi star turned serious (*snicker*) rapper Drake. Shortly after its release, the phrase swept social media and became a mainstay amongst Facebook statuses, hashtags, and blurry Instagram pics, bringing the philosophical edge that the Rick-Roll never could. But, is that a good thing? What does it mean to actually YOLO and should we be doing it? How does it relate to living with dirt on our hands? Let's take a look.
Briefly, let's ignore the fact that with the exception of Atheism, all major religions of the world believe in the opposite of YOLO. This isn't to say that YOLO is wrong based on a popularity contest (the overwhelming majority of Earth citizens and internet users are not atheists, Reddit excluded), it just puts an inductive lean on it.
Now, shifting out of dork mode, all we need to do is simply look at what YOLO has accomplished and then we can judge whether or not it's worthwhile. Have you ever used YOLO as an excuse to hook up with an ugly girl or guy? Have you called in sick for work or ditched class and thought "screw it, YOLO" only to sit around in your pajamas all day, watching Entourage and eating Reese's Puffs? Have you only slept 4 hours in the last two days because you remembered YOLO and decided to stay out all night doing something that really wasn't that fun? Can you see where I'm going with this?
Being a douche bag and then saying "YOLO" afterwards doesn't automatically validate your douchebaggery. Living once is not an excuse to live a mediocre life trademarked half-accomplishments and unfulfilled commitments. How about, "I'm going to finish my Bachelor's degree because YOLO"? or "I need to start exercising and eating better so that my life won't be such a struggle. YOLO!" How about you pursue the prettiest girl in the room after all, because why spend your only life on the easy catches? If you're going to adopt YOLO as a motto (and follow in the immortal footsteps of Zac Efron) then maybe you should try doing something worthy of a singular, finite life. But, if that's too much to ask then maybe you should stick to Reese's Puffs.
Assignment of the Week (AOW): Drink coffee. Now, pull back the reigns a bit, young squaw. I'm not just talking about any old cup o' joe. For this assignment you're going to have to put down your usual Mocha Tocha Almond Rocha Frap and take a trip back to the Middle Ages when people just drank actual coffee.
Twice this week I want you to drink one cup of real, actual coffee. Here are some guidelines:
-It has to be hot.
-It has to be gourmet. No Folgers allowed. YOLO.
-It has to be made by the cup. None of that by the pot garbage.
-It has to be black. No creams or sugars. Just you and the actual flavor of coffee.
-No drinking and running. Sit and enjoy the cup. Soak in the flavor. If you drink it outside, try reading some Yeats or Whitman or perhaps just listening to the birds. If you're drinking it inside maybe listen to some Billie Holiday or City & Colour.
Whatever you decide to do, just focus on and enjoy the cup of coffee and the moment at hand instead of using such a precious and worthwhile luxury as a mediocre pick-me-up.
Stay filthy.
