Living in the Moment of Love

The Minister of Balance’s Guide to Love and Life:

Life is unpredictable and full of surprises. Just like our brains predict what comes next based on past experiences, we’re constantly trying to map out our futures. But here’s the thing – when reality doesn’t match our predictions, that’s where the magic happens. That’s where growth lives.

The Art of Prospection

Everyone needs a dream, a vision of how they fit into tomorrow. But let’s get real for a minute and talk about something that matters to most of us – relationships and marriage. Your individual relationship with the future starts with the day-to-day choices you make right now.

I always tell people to have what I call a “worst-case scenario bucket list.” Sounds pessimistic? It’s not. If you can cross off even a few items from that list, you’ve got something to be proud of, even if you don’t hit every intended goal. Life’s about the journey, not just the destination.

Building Your Framework

To reach any goal, you need principles to stand on. Draw your lines – one for others, one for yourself. Once you do that, you’ve got a path. Loyalty, respect, dignity, integrity – these aren’t just words, they’re currencies. You usually get back what you give.

But here’s the hard truth: if you’re giving and not getting it back, it’s time to stop. Period. Point blank. Doesn’t matter if there’s a power dynamic involved. That just means you might have to draw the line sooner rather than later.

Before you jump into anything as it pertains to a job, a relationship, a commitment; do your reconnaissance. Ask around, get facts, see how others fare in the situation you’re considering. It might not be the right culture for your personality, and that’s okay.

Carpe Diem: Breaking the Chains of Yesterday

The older you get, the harder it becomes to live in the moment. You start yearning for the past, and memories become your daily soundtrack. But we’ve got to break these chains by living in the now, learning new things, trying to grow with the current culture, even if it’s way out of your comfort zone.

Life is for the living. The only way to achieve spiritual contentment is through constant evolution, overcoming the fears that past experiences have planted in your garden.

I see older folks still living in the past, and honestly? Some look utterly ridiculous. Learn how to be hip as an elder statesman. We must sometimes reinvent ourselves to properly evolve. Old celebrities still talking about the same stuff from decades ago – that’s not growth, that’s stagnation.

The Money and Power Dance

Let me be frank about something. In this capitalist world, somebody’s always getting the short end of the stick. You don’t acquire massive wealth by being purely nice. Behind every billionaire’s veneer, there’s someone working for extremely low wages while the boss profits.

But here’s the flip side; the wealthy get extorted and scammed more than average folks. Most feel they must constantly question every emotion, every relationship, to make sure it’s sincere. The last thing they want is someone who just likes them for their money.

I read a quote by this wealthy actress, she said recently she has to date men who make more money than her because of the power dynamics. In other words, she shares the same sentiment some other wealthy women have spewed, talkin bout “I don’t want to be the nurse or the purse,” as the saying goes. But here’s what’s interesting, men don’t typically think like that. A good-looking woman can work at McDonald’s and still have a chance at the come-up. She can go from slinging burgers to the next day having a personal chef.

Love in the Public Eye

Take the Travis Hunter story. This Young football star just got married, gifted his bride a $200,000 Mercedes. Some people claim some of his Family members at the wedding looked like they were jealous. The media and pundits in his circle are saying she’s not marriage material, that he’s too young and too rich to make such a serious move without guardrails.

But I say this: he’s grown. He must make his own decisions. Love is a risk any way you look at it. When you decide to truly love, you must go all in, no matter the cost. If you’re unsure of your level of commitment, that’s your indication you’re not ready.

The Ultimate Truth About Love

Each person in a relationship has a vision of the future. But here’s the real question, if it doesn’t go the way either of you imagines, can you still stand the rain? Time will tell, but in the meantime, I wish all the newlyweds in the world many blessings. Love is a gift, enjoy the moments, enjoy the now.

Because at the end of the day, love is risky. Being vulnerable, loyal, and trusting, these are part of the ingredients. But enjoying the moments? That’s the ultimate dessert. Carpe diem. ~Balance Due