Wes: Just under six years ago, in early November 2004, “Double Take” went to press for the first time. I’d surveyed the Internet and the news rack and was dismayed. While an ample supply of magazines existed for the parents of babies and children, there were none for those with teens. This seemed odd to me. At the very point children become really complex and interesting — at least to my way of thinking — there was apparently no periodical market for advice on how to raise and interact with them. That week I came up with the idea for a local column that would give teens and parents a chance to read about themselves and each other.

It also occurred to me that such a column would rightfully be co-authored by a teenager. So I approached a high school senior, Jenny Kane, who had interviewed me for a yearbook article earlier that year. She agreed to write the column. Shortly thereafter, Marissa Ballard interviewed me for a story in the LHS Budget, and I asked if she’d like to take over when Jenny went off to college. She agreed. That was also the year I began to realize that “Double Take” not only enjoyed the Journal-World’s paper circulation, but also an online presence, which meant the column was being reproduced on websites all over the world. Since then we’ve appeared on sites dedicated to sexuality, drugs (pro and con), politics, parenting and even (more than once) tattooing and body piercing. Co-authors have included John Murray, Free State; Julia Davidson, Bishop Seabury; Kelly Kelin, Free State, and Samantha Schwartz, Lawrence High School.

This week it gives me great pleasure to introduce “Double Take” readers to Ben Markley, Free State. Each year the new author gets asked to pick any topic he or she wishes for the first column. If this represents a sample of Ben’s typical work, I’d say we’re in for a great year.

Ben: This year has proved to be one of new experiences. Not only am I taking this new position, but I also hiked my first mountain with some buddies over the summer. At the beginning of the hike, I remember being completely taken with the beautiful Colorado scenery. The view from the side of the mountain was nothing short of majestic. I was so glad to be right where I was.

Then I hiked up a few thousand feet.

Being a writer and not an athlete, I was exhausted at the tail end of our hike. I couldn’t care less about the scenery. My two primary thoughts were the summit at the top of the mountain and the truck at the bottom. I didn’t care where I was; all I could think about was where I wasn’t. I had a similar experience writing this first column. I was excited as I first sat down to write — my first chance to give “Double Take” readers my two cents. As I struggled for a topic, however, my mind got ahead of itself. Could I really produce a year’s worth of columns? What problems would readers throw at me? What if I really didn’t have an answer? After about a half-hour of speculation, I realized that I was still staring at a blank screen.

As teenagers we are often accused of living as if there are no consequences. We’re so into the moment that we ignore our future. That is true of a lot of my age group, and sometimes we need a reminder. However, while some people live for the moment, there are those of us who try to live in the past or the future. Anywhere but the present.

I’m well-acquainted with the seniors who are freaking out over where they’re going to college or what their major will be. I’ve also met my share of sophomores who just can’t stop talking about their junior high memories. They’re looking in two different directions, but they’re both ignoring one very important thing: today.

Surely, we should remember the past and consider the future, but both should be used to inform what we do in the present. They are a means to an end, not an end in and of themselves. People who live in yesterday quickly become unbearable nostalgists, while those who live in tomorrow become romantic procrastinators. Neither has a better past or future because of it.

So pause for a second. Breathe. Take a look around. You’ll get to the summit eventually; until then, enjoy the scenery.

— Dr. Wes Crenshaw is a board-certified family psychologist and director of the Family Therapy Institute Midwest. Ben Markley is a senior at Free State High School. Opinions and advice given here are not meant as a substitute for psychological evaluation or therapy services. Send your questions about adolescent issues (limited to 200 words) to doubletake@ljworld.com. All correspondence is strictly confidential.