Despite the current frenzy, believe it or not, this entry is not about politics...

John Gorka wrote a song several years ago that struck me recently as I was driving. I'd heard the song many times before, but can't say I truly, deeply listened to it. Or maybe I did, but I wasn't ready to hear it. The point is: I was struck to the point of pulling the car over and processing what I'd just heard.

There's a prison called tomorrow and there's one called yesterday
The only place you're free is in between.

I'm a planner. I always have been. I'm the one who gets various friends together. I'm the guy who organizes co-ed softball. I have the backyard BBQ's. I suggest various social activities. Maybe others think I'm insufferable for doing so. Maybe others think I need a "doggy downer..." I guess I crave community. I don't need to believe that you and I are "best pals," but I hope we find enough common ground to peacefully co-exist, perhaps share a moment beyond small talk the next time we meet. There's a social element that I desire that seems to be missing from many of our daily lives.

So much of my life has been spent looking forward to an unattainable tomorrow or dissecting what happened yesterday though. There's real value in each of these things, but allowing yourself to be dominated by either allows you to forget the moment that is now.

John Gorka in the moment...

My wife says balance is the key. A friend says that letting go of all striving is the most important thing. Others tell me that the world happens and my reaction to it is more important than the outcome. Another says I think too damn much. I can't say which is true. I know that I hope for a more playful moment, a less serious thought, a neutral place to process the information, a moment that lacks judgement, a time when the weight of the world seems lighter...

May spring sunshine, baseball, live acoustic music, fall leaves, my dog, and a joyous summer night of sleep with the windows open provide these things. May your own muse, your internal motor be fired. Find your daydream, your evening's flight of fancy, your 3AM reverie. Find the moment that speaks to you. Allow that moment to speak to you. Embrace that moment and believe that tomorrow can be better... And I hope I remember this reverie tomorrow. ;-)

Note: A fine John Gorka song as mentioned above. He is one of my favorites for so many reasons, but by now you know I love a well-turned phrase.