Don't get the title wrong. It's not a "woe is me" mentality. A "What's Now" life is about living confidently and happily in the present, rather than always being dissatisfied with the present and looking for what's next. "When I get that new car, I'm going to be happy." "When I get that new job, I'm going to be happy." "When I get that bag of weed, I'm going to be happy." :-) (I don't smoke anything, but you know what I mean).
Many of my problems have been because I'm thinking the grass is greener on the other side, and I didn't appreciate what was in front of me. Ever since I moved to Boston in 1988 until I moved to Dayton, Ohio in 2006, I wanted to leave! I kept looking at NYC, Chi, ATL, DC, MIA, and dreaming of making moves. I sabotaged relationships because I didn't want to bring them with me if I ever got out. I didn't upgrade my life in Boston because I felt when I move, I'll upgrade then. But my life was in a holding pattern because I was looking at things outside my circumstances to make me happy.
Now that I'm back in Boston, "What's Now" is my mantra. Yes, technically I'm still striving for a better future, and it doesn't mean I don't have goals, but I'm not mad about my present like I was. Before it was "yes, I'm an on-air personality, but I want to be a program director." "Yes, I'm doing parties, but I want an every week gig." "Yes, this woman who works as a makeup person is cool, but I want the woman who is an executive." I wasn't appreciative of where I was, who I was with or how far I had come, and I put extra stress on myself because I felt I wasn't progressing fast enough.
"What's Now" means "how am I going to maximize my current situation." "What's Now" means loving the space I'm in right now. "What's Now" means striving for the future without worrying about the future. "What's Now" means making each today count. "What's Now" means giving 110%. Finally, "What's Now" means no more allowing my past to affect my present, no more allowing what I hope to have affect my feelings on what I do have, no more allowing outside circumstances to affect my inner being.
So now I'm happy to be back in Boston, even though many people want to leave. I love the fact my podcasts are being download all over the world. I'm appreciative of having a great friend who allowed me to move into his house when my previous roommate situation fell through. I'm glad to have promoters, club & restaurant owners, websites and venture capitalists reaching out to me because of who I am as a DJ and a brand name in the Boston area. I'm thankful for the chance to have good times with great women, and take it for what it's worth, not feeling like "this is moving too slow" or "I want to be more than friends." I'm grateful for the spirituality I have gained in the last 8 months. And as long as I'm maximizing my potential each day, I know greatness will be blessed upon me. I don't have to worry about what's next… the universe will provide what's next!
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Beats Per Minute are your friend!
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Okay, raise your hand if you use beats per minute (BPM) to find your next
song. Oh really? Most of you are like, "what's BPM?" Some of you are like,
"isn't...
4 comments:
Well said. I can definitely relate and an striving to enjoy today, because that is where peace and happiness lives!
gratitude...without conditions...
that takes maturity and I believe as we get older there is something that begins to hold us accountable.
I think my kids triggered it once they got a certain age, finding new jobs, realizing you needed new skills even to accomplish something differrent. And you could look up and think, What the hell have I been doing all this time or Why haven't I accomplished such and such by Now, mainly because I want it Now, think I need it Now...really though you didnt need that skill, that person or that relationship until NOW. We are were we are suppose to BE.
Yeah i feel the pressure of my foot on my own back more often than not...other people are often preoccupied with themselves...
this might sound circular or not even that revealing...cuz it is hard to describe..I often think it is because that growth/change usually has nothing to do with me...I dont have to do anything but BE the universe, god, spirit whatever ya wanna label it..it moves us - shifts us...my recovery is all about surrender..ya be doin too much and as stevie says, maybe three much...
so What's Now...suites me fine...sometimes it is happy, sad, fierce, i just claim it just how spirit brings it...
thanks for your honesty...sharing...growing and reflecting back humanity in the world
That 'what now' mentality keeps you on your toes. When you stop asking 'what now?' you'll be wondering 'what happened?'
I applaud you. You know I am on the same path, but have fallen along the way. I read what you wrote and realize, I need to get back on the path! Good things will come my way, and your way. I am grateful for many things, but Reggie, I am thankful we are becoming better friends. Thank You, for being you.
Lisa V.
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