05/14/2025
“Sha-la-la-la-la-la, live for today…”
I was raised on music like Let’s Live for Today by The Grass Roots. It played in the background of my childhood on the south side—at BBQs, in the car, around the house, on crappy garage speakers.
I knew the lyrics by heart, but I never really heard them. Not until a recent vacation.
It was one of those rare, quiet moments when things slow down. No notifications, no deadlines, no one needing anything. Just the sound of water, sun on my face, and a little music playing in the background.
That song came on, and for the first time, it landed.
“When I think of all the worries that people seem to find
And how they’re in a hurry to complicate their minds
By chasing after money and dreams that can’t come true
I’m glad that we are different, we’ve better things to do
When others plan their future, I’m busy loving you
Shah-la, la-la-la-la, live for today
And don’t worry ‘bout tomorrow, ay-ay-ay
We were never meant to worry the way the people do
And I don’t need to hurry as long as I’m with you
We’ll take it nice and easy, and use my simple plan
You’ll be my lovin’ woman, I’ll be your lovin’ man
We’ll take the most from living, have pleasure while we can
Shah-la, la-la-la-la, live for today
And don’t worry ‘bout tomorrow, ay-ay-ay
That line hit different this time.
Maybe it was the break from the usual chaos, or committing to not touch my email for 10 days!
Maybe it was being next to the man who quietly holds so much of our life together—the one who tolerates the extremely early mornings, the late nights, the working weekends, and the constant hum of being married to a therapist and a business owner.
As a therapist, I spend so much time helping others try to stay present—because the truth is, our minds are constantly pulled toward the past or the future.
And it hit me… sometimes it takes stepping away from the noise to actually absorb the wisdom that’s been in front of you all along.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You don’t need to carry tomorrow’s load today.
You’re allowed to find joy in the moment you’re in.
And if no one’s told you lately, you deserve that kind of peace.