Have any of you been watching the Verzuz battles created by Timbaland and Swizz Beatz? Started during the beginning of the pandemic, this series invites two musicians who usually have similar music styles or flows to engage in a lighthearted competition. While no winner is formally declared, we the people always unofficially declare one lol. I love these battles because they have been a way to experience the nostalgia of past life experiences that usually accompany music, in our now isolated world. These battles are also a testament to the excellence, range, ingenuity, and beauty that black voices brought and still bring to the music industry. Lastly, it always amazes me how Timbaland and Swizz are able to select the perfect combos of musicians to go head-to-head! Needless to say, I love the Verzuz battles. However, based on this post’s title I won’t continue on about my love for Verzuz music battles, but the annoying battle of focusing on my journey verzuz the destination. *insert deep sigh* so here we go…
Originally when I set out to create my blog, I had the loftiest goal of changing every single person who laid eyes on it. I was going to start an #erasethestigma movement around mental illness and promote self-care, wellness, and therapy. What I am realizing is, I have been putting entirely too much pressure on myself with my goals! Haha. I’ve literally found myself getting annoyed when my family or friends ask about my next post, spiraling into a shame cycle because I feel bad, and then clamming up from everyone and shutting down. Why? Simply because I am allowing myself, to be pressured by myself. Pure insanity, right? To be honest, it’s not really them that I get annoyed with, it’s with me because I am pressuring myself to attain a standard of perfection while not even staying consistent with posting. Bwahahaha! Sometimes you legitimately need to laugh at yourself, take about five deep breaths to calm yourself down, reassess, and refocus your plan. I also need to re-read my first post about how perfection is unattainable. Smh.
So, starting today my plan is to take the self-imposed pressure off my shoulders and let this content flow organically. While having a schedule and a goal of where I want to end up with this blog is all fine and dandy,
I am realizing how much I need to be present in the journey. Not hyperfocused on the destination.
To be honest, the more I think about it, this approach could resonate with anyone. An example may be that:
I need to be present in my journey to a healthier body and not hyper-focused on losing weight.
I need to be present in my journey of increasing self-love and not hyperfocused on my next partner.
I need to be present and celebrate this small win of keeping my meals down today and not hyperfocused on overcoming bulimia in two weeks.
I need to be present in my current job and what areas it may be growing me in and not hyperfocused on finding the next, “perfect” job.
The point is…
Our journeys take time.
Our journeys are beautiful.
Our journeys require our focus.
Our journeys require us to be present.
So, let’s think about ways to be more present in our journeys and not hyperfocused on the destination, alright? Let’s try to make “the journey over the destination” a mindset. As always, I welcome dialogue in the comments, my email via on the Contact Me page, my social media handle (@amindtransformed), or via text if you have my number lol.
Also, as a complete side note, I’m still working on nailing down my routine and compiling advice from others as referenced in my last post about sticking my head in the sand. Once I get it all down, it’ll be headed your way in a new post!
Until next time,
Get well. Be well. Stay well.
Lauren ♥