Brain Freeze

I am trapped in the palm of my hand.

I need not know the north from south or avenue from street. I follow the blue line.

I know to the second, how my drive will be. I set aside to the minute, time to get ready.

I do not need to remember recipes. I have them at my fingertips.

Songs that I enjoy, I do not invoke. They are played to me endlessly.

I do not try to remember birthdays/anniversaries. I receive reminders days, hours, and minutes ahead.

While writing, I need not know spellings or grammar. Scenes threaten to write themselves, not letting me enjoy my imaginary space.

I no longer read an entire newspaper to get my news. I can choose to read news clips. If reading is boring, I can watch or listen to a shorter version of it. Even easier – I can call into use a condensed synopsis.

On vacations, I do not need to explore, improvise and be spontaneous. I get the full experience played out before I leave.

I no longer need to relive a vacation from a few pictures. I can recreate every second, frame by frame.

And it has been years since I have had to add, subtract, multiply, or divide.

I do not have to leave the comfort of my chair for all the instant gratification.

This is exactly why I am lured into subscribing to apps that will help me boost my cognitive abilities, to stave off dementia. I need games to help my brain pretend it is doing its job. Games that will trigger those exact brain cells that I was urged to put on pause.

Games that help me add, subtract, multiply, and divide at speed. Those that help me remember and replay flash cards with pictures. Those where I must find the error in a passage. Those that ask me questions at the end of an article. Those where I must produce synonyms and antonyms. Those that help me remember names, faces and directions.

Instant gratification of another kind.

Here is the catch – when it comes to physical health and fitness, it’s YOYO (you are on your own). You must walk, run, yoga, lift, or play to be rewarded. You can still rely on apps to track and make you euphoric in spurts. But You are solely responsible for putting the pedal to the metal for real benefits.

Now, go do the right thing.