Obssesiveness

I've been assigned a research paper to write this week on any subject I chose. And I chose caffeine.

Did you know that caffeine has the very same effects on your brain and nervous system that crack and cocaine do? Who'd believe that a cup of coffee could stimulate your brain just like a dangerous drug could? It blows my mind to know that a can of Pepsi gives you a high just like an illegal drug.

Now just think of those people who become addicted to cups of coffee every single morning to keep them awake. My principal has an addiction to Diet Pepsi and cannot go a single day without at least one bottle. If she doesn't drink one, she goes into withdrawal and cannot survive the day.

I'm not one to judge (though I can't help it sometimes) but I pity those who are held captive by addictions, whether it be drugs, alcohol, or even something as simple as a cup of coffee every morning. It's not that coffee is so terrible, but I tremble to think of myself as held prisoner of an inanimate object. I could never submit myself to such a prison, yet I'm sure that I too do the same. I've been addicted to listening to my mp3 player (I'm too cheap for an Ipod, haha). Yet I recognize it and for Lent, seeing as how I'm Catholic and it's a tradition to give up something during these 40 days, I have given up listening to my mp3.

Now not to boast, but it's been hard to not pick up that music player and rock on to my music. There have been times where I needed to listen to something to ease boredom. But I have triumphed over this attachment. I have actually been able to resist the call of the music and leave the player where it lies.

Of course, I'm not perfect. I know I'll become attached to something else soon. But I thank God that I do not have to keep injecting myself with needles to keep my mind active and alive.

It just makes me sad to know that people do not rise above attachments to material things and cannot see the bigger picture. But then again, we are human.

Now excuse me while I go for another vanilla frappachino.