Last week ended on a very good note for me. Found my momentum and just rolled with it. Got some writing done. Tied down some loose ends work-wise. Found out I was more than on the right track with some things – I was halfway home while some folk were just getting started.

Momentum is a beautiful thang. Yes indeed. Yes indeed. But momentum coupled with some serious focus? Add in dedicated, persistent action? Now that’s a true triple play were talking about. That’s the triple play Com.cast needs to sell!

I want to replicate that level of momentum, focus and action as I move further into this week. To not only get some things done but to get them done WELL. It’s interesting because I’ve already run into a few things that are trying to get me off balance. And I remind myself in that instance that all that nonsense - all that madness - is simply not part of my plan – not today, not tomorrow, not even next week. Not eva. EVA EVA.

I found myself scurrying around in circles last week, taking my cues from folks around me. And I had to snap myself back to reality – it was sheer madness. Now, there are some folks who can live IN madness. Matter of fact, if there’s no madness, no confusion or drama, they don’t even know they’re alive. That’s not me. And guess what? It’s not GOING to be either. There’s definitely a difference between living IN madness and being able to FUNCTION in madness. I have no intention of having the madness be my place of residence so I pulled myself aside for a little talky-talk-talk.

Said to myself, “Self. Some folk put the “func” in ‘dysfunctional’; other people make it down right ‘funky’. Let’s not be either one of those people.”

How am I going to live above the madness?

1. Recognize it for what it is. Sometimes it’s a cry for help. Sometimes it’s someone’s need for attention. Sometimes it’s a security blanket. Sadly enough, for some…it’s a way of life. Question is do I have to let it become mine? NO.

2. Stay centered. I remind myself of the goal, the path I’m taking to get there and assess the potential roadblocks. The roadblocks? I use them to sharpen my skills, to hone my climbing skills cause I’m heading to the top. Get in the way if you want to. I remind myself that much of this is simply a means to an end and in this moment, that MEANS the madness must END.

3. Don’t take it personal. The madness generally isn’t about YOU. And when it is? When you find that your hands are the ones stirring the pot, smack yo’ self if ya must. Now, know that sometimes? It is ’bout you. Own that. Deal with it. Then move on.

4. Know that nothing lasts forever. Madness and drama normally wear themselves out, especially if folks don’t play into it. At the very least, it has to take some downtime to recharge. When it comes back thinking it’s full strength, I’ve already moved on. And I’m not making any U-turns.

5. Stop struggling against it. Madness is like a strong current of water. Get caught up in it at the wrong moment, and you will be sucked it. When I find myself pulled into that whirlpool, I stop. I simply stop. Stop struggling. Stop trying to make sense of things. Stop trying to reason with folks. Cause folks caught up in madness are like folks that think they’re drowning – a drowning person has the capacity to drown their potential rescuer. Find another way.

I’m sure I could add to this list (and I probably will) but like Vanessa Williams sang, “I got work to do!”. I best be on it.

Enjoy your day!