Michelle wrote something that we all intuitively know, but I think most of us (hello!) forget:
In 100 years (or even 10), will the things we worry about matter? Will anyone even remember?
There’s a pretty easy thought exercise you can do to see how much or how little things matter: Think about things that used to matter to you and how little you remember or care about them now.
For example, when I was a youngster baseball and basketball cards mattered a whole lot. Besides actually playing sports, these cards were my life. I think there might still be a box of ~20,000 sports cards in my Parents’ basement somewhere. I haven’t seen or thought about them in years.
That Scottie Pippen rookie card I traded for (which used to be worth a princely $100; huge for an 11 year old) is probably worthless today. If not monetarily, at least emotionally. These cards no longer matter. The physical objects don’t hold any sentimental value as much as my specific memories of that time.
That’s just one small example. I won’t fill this page with the dozens more swirling around my head, but as the majority of USA prepares to get drunk, eat Doritos, and watch the Super Bowl TV commercials (is there a game on too?) it’s a good time to ask ourselves, “will it matter?”
Note: Check out David’s comment and my responses below.
{ 3 comments… add yours }
In the last 6 years, I have probably watched a total of 30 minutes of the Super Bowl in total. That’s about 1/12th of the actual game time played during those years. However, I have celebrated every year.
How could I have celebrated the Super Bowl and only have watched about 1/12th of them in total?
I was celebrating with friends. I was spending time drinking, eating, conversing with others. Anything that makes this happen, makes my life better.
I agree that 100 years from now, most of us will not remember the Super Bowl. But…we might remember spending time with others.
Whether it is the Super Bowl, Christmas, Thanksgiving, a Birthday or a random Tuesday, we will probably forget why we were together. But…we will remember being together.
That is what really matters.
D
You got it David and I’m glad you made that point. Thank you!
Also, I guess a follow-up or alternate question should be, “what will matter?” Like you stated, for most people it won’t be the game or the commercials, but hanging out with friends/family. Personally, I’ve opted out of participating in nearly all Super Bowl celebrations since I was old enough to know what it was. I do think I went to a party last year though. :)