When it comes to the Thought of the Day and Question of the Day, today’s pair hits that oddly satisfying mix of unsettling truth and life dream fodder. We’re talking about fear, paranoia, and Hunter S. Thompson’s peculiar kind of honesty—and then pivoting to a very different kind of question: Where would you most like to live—by the ocean, a lake, or a river?
Let’s look at how both ideas crash into each other like waves on rocks and why they might be more connected than you think.
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Thought of the Day: “There is no such thing as paranoia. Your worst fears can come true at any moment.” — Hunter S. Thompson
Well… that’s comforting, right?
Hunter S. Thompson had a way of slicing into reality with a rusty blade—and this quote is no exception. He doesn’t say “your worst fears will come true,” just that they can. And if that doesn’t send a chill down your spine while also making you double-check the locks on your doors, I don’t know what will.
But there’s a strange kind of honesty to it. Life isn’t as safe or predictable as we like to pretend. Some of us manage our anxieties by pretending things are under control. Others white-knuckle it through the chaos. I tend to do a bit of both—keep a smile on my face while mentally rehearsing what to do if a bear breaks into the house. (Which, let’s be honest, would be such a plot twist in New Jersey.)
Here’s the thing: Fear doesn’t always mean something bad will happen. It just reminds us we care. That we have something to lose. And maybe—if we’re lucky—something worth fighting for. Paranoia or not, I’d rather live with a little extra awareness than wander blindly.
If you’re into the deep-end of thoughts like this one, check out What part of your life is circling the drain the fastest? or How would you survive in a haunted house?. Both posts dig deeper into that anxious edge between imagination and reality.
Question of the Day: Would you rather live next to the ocean or a lake or a river?
Okay, deep breath. Let’s shake off the existential dread and talk about something a little more tranquil. (Unless you chose to live next to a whitewater river—then we’re right back in adrenaline territory.)
This question makes me daydream about real estate I absolutely cannot afford.
- The ocean: Endless horizon. The rhythmic crash of waves. The occasional hurricane. But also sunrises that knock the wind out of you, salty breezes, and a feeling of being on the edge of the world.
- A lake: Still. Peaceful. Ideal for coffee on the dock and lazy kayaking. There’s a quiet solitude to lake life that makes it feel like time slows down just enough to let you breathe.
- A river: Constant movement. Always flowing. It feels like life—never the same water twice. A river keeps you rooted while reminding you everything changes.
If I had to choose, I think I’d go with the lake every day and twice on Sunday. I crave calm more than chaos these days. I do enjoy the sounds of the ocean waves crashing
This question reminds me of What Sound Do You Look Forward to Hearing Each Spring?
So, what’s your pick—ocean, lake, or river?
Join the Conversation
We dance daily between anxiety and awe—sometimes in the same breath. That’s what makes these Thought of the Day and Question of the Day posts worth returning to. They’re little anchors in the chaos.
👉 Leave a comment below: What body of water calls to you—and why?
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