Yes. I had fervent plans on writing out my almost annual birthday reflections. I did. I swear. I actually sat down on this here computer and opened the “new blog post” link and pondered on what should come out. Nothing came out. I then, went looking about old blog posts,and read last year’s birthday reflections hoping to find a seed of inspiration to plant on the new page. Still nothing. I was going to basically re post last year’s reflections with a new twist and thought better of it. I am rarely short on writing inspiration and honey, I’ve learned in my young old age that forcing shit to fit where it ain’t fitting ain’t never worth it. Never. Believe me, I’ve bought and burned that proverbial t-shirt.
So then, the new year rung in and I was primed and ready with ideas to write about taking charge of our lives in the new year and skipping the resolutions and making life happen exactly where we stand, etc. , etc. and what have you. Been there, done that as well.
It turns out, I started this blog exactly 2 years, 7 months and 12 days ago today. In that time, We’ve covered a lot of ground and been through a whirlwind of adventure. A lot of them days, I wasn’t exactly sure how I was to get to the next day without literally choking on my tears from so many trials, heartaches and disappointments. Literally, this blog has been therapy for me on so many levels. Needless to say, I’ve gotten through every last thing to date with virtually no (visible) marks. Yay!
Looking back on the subjects we’ve dealt with from dating, mating and relationships, to magic, making life happen and living our best lives. We’ve dealt with political fiascoes, what the fukc is wrong with Black people, making our votes count, electing a new president, and making racist pool owners pay the media piper. We’ve dealt with our dating dilemmas, talked about what it is to be soft and pink, celibacy (uck) and even gave our male people friends some pointers on how not to lose our interest in one date or less. We’ve even dabbled in a little modern allegory here and there. I mean seriously, looking back on all of that and so much, much, much more–what else is there to cover?! Jeez.
Consequently, with everything that has happened, everything that is currently happening and everything that is to happen, though we’ve covered a whole lot of ground these past 2 years, 7 months and 12 days ago today, there is still a whole lot more ground to cover. The new www.envymckeeshow.com will be up in a few months (exciting!) and my first novel (of the trilogy) with go to print around the same time (double exciting!)–so the adventure between us will undoubtedly continue. Plus, as was mentioned in a previous post, I have loads of other things going on behind the scenes including a whole bunch of good stuff that you’ll get to see for yourself on the new site once it’s live. *sigh*.
We’ve come a long way baby. I am, as I hope you are, a much more evolved person than I was when I started this blog 2 years, 7 months and 12 days ago today (I keep hoping it gets funnier every time I write that–if it’s not, hopefully it will become funny by the last time hehehehe). I’ve grown up so much. I’ve accomplished so much that I didn’t think I ever would or could. It turns out, as always, every single thing that happened–good or bad– was exactly what my evolution needed at the time. Every single thing. Even my up and down fiasco with the now infamous “BD”. Seriously, had he not been exactly the person he was (and is) it’s a very safe bet to make that my life would have gone in a completely different direction. On one hand it’s kindof of sad, but on another it’s exactly triumphant. Perfect, even.
If there is any lesson I can take out of this past year and the year, 7 months and 12days prior (hehehehe), it would be to cherish the present. Whirlwind life or not, there is a reason why some folks say the present is a gift. We miss so many beautiful moments sometimes drudging through our past lives trying to relive them and hoping to resurrect something long dead. Or…some of us have our heads so far in the future, we can’t get there because we miss what’s supposed to happen for us now, that will lead us to then-if that makes any sense. Planning is great, but PRESENCE in the PRESENT is perfect.
I think that’s what writing this blog has been about for me. I’ve been able to learn and grow and evolve because I allowed myself to experience whatever it was at the time, take ownership of it, be present in that moment and then move on to the next. I think we can all take a bit more of that insight with us as we make our way through this new year. Put your iPhones and Blackberries down more and watch your kids in swim class or whatever. FB can wait. You’ll thank me later.
I’ve also learned that my utter and perpetual single-ness is a state of mind. I’m single (still) because I keep choosing to be. I’ve decided that this go round, I don’t want to bring somebody awesome into my life as a proverbial hole filler (pun not exactly intended). I want to be as awesome as the person I bring “home”. That’s an important decision to make. To choose me first. A lot of us don’t yet do that and wonder why our relationships ultimately turn out unfulfilled. I figure, if I fulfill me first, my awesome life partner is like my almost world famous la famiglia chocolate buttercream frosting. You simply have to taste it to know what I’m talking about (ask Zakia, she’ll co-sign).
You know what else I’ve learned? Do every single thing that you love to do exactly when you love to do it. Sometimes I put on music and just dance until I’m exhausted. Sometimes, I pull out all my stuff and bake. Sometimes, I write. Sometimes I sing. Sometimes I put on my headphones and go for a really long walk. Sometimes I go to the movies. Sometimes I make, paint, create, referb or design stuff. Sometimes I sit for long periods of time and allow my brain to wander. Sometimes I… whatever. The point is, I love to do lots of things. Upon first perusal, it may seem like I do way too much in a day. And upon second, third and fourth perusal, you would be absolutely correct. I do way too much in a day. But I’m always smiling because I am honestly and utterly happy. I make time for the things that make me happy. I was able to finish my first of three 267+ page novels (which has been 8 years in the making!) because making time to write it and edit it and make it perfect made me infinitely happier than sleeping (at the time) and so here we are. Mere months away from your being able to hold the hard or soft cover in your hands, order it on your iPad, Nook or Kindle or listen to it via audio book in your car on your way to wherever (with my voice as the narrator!)Plus, on the new site, you’ll get to party with me while I do at least a dozen of the other things I absolutely love to do. No worries…you’ll be in on my evil plan soon enough *insert Dr. Evil laugh here*.
See, doing the things that you love to do, when you love to do it, can make the difference between LIVING the life you’ve always dreamed versus simply dreaming about it. The money will come. It always comes. Even if you have to do something else to make money while you’re doing the things you love. Your presence in the present, gives you the tools you need to actually enjoy the ride as it happens. It sometimes creates the inspiration for the next pages you’re bound to write in your own life story. So write it! Live it! Be it! Enjoy it! Every single solitary morsel…right now, in this divine right moment!
With that, I suppose it’s more than appropriate for me to say welcome to the new year my good people. I’m so excited you made it to the other side with me! For those who chose to transition past this life– your PRESENCE will be missed and prayerfully we’ll create a PRESENT of our lives worthy of your admiration from where you chill now in the heavens. (!)
The moral of this story? No rightly idea. Just some food for thought. Thank you for reading this though! Peace and Abundant “your presence is a present” Blessings. And… Happy New Year! Love, -e-