What Are You Tuning Into?
Reclaiming a Bahamian Saying for a More Focused Life
As a young Bahamian growing up, there was a popular saying we used to throw around: “Bui, I ain’t tuning into you.”
We’d say it without much thought—just a casual phrase in our local vernacular. But as I reflect on it now, I realize how much power was wrapped up in those words. Back then, we didn’t truly grasp how profound that statement was.
The Power of Tuning
To “tune” something is to adjust, align, or bring into harmony—just like tuning an instrument or a radio. When we said, “I ain’t tuning into you,” we were really saying: I’m not aligning myself with that energy, that message, or that influence.
In other words, we were making a choice—sometimes unknowingly—about what we would or wouldn’t allow into our mental space. And that choice, if applied with intention, can be life-changing.
Reclaiming the Phrase
Fast forward 40+ years, and the meaning of that phrase hits me differently.
What if we intentionally applied that same logic to our daily lives?
Imagine telling your distractions, your limiting behaviors, and even your anxiety: “I ain’t tuning into you.”
Imagine recognizing negative thought patterns and simply walking away from them—effectively disrupting them in their tracks. This simple mental shift could become your personal pattern interrupt, helping you regain focus and peace.
Choosing What We Tune Into
But tuning out is only half of the equation. The real question becomes: What are we tuning into?
Are we aligning with our values, our goals, and the things that truly serve our growth? Or are we tuning into fear, gossip, negativity, or self-doubt?
This is where intentional living comes in. When we tune out distractions and tune in to what truly matters—our purpose, our relationships, our faith, our growth—we set the tone for a more fulfilled life.
A Call to Tune In with Intention
So here’s my challenge to you (and to myself): Be deliberate about what you’re tuning into.
The next time fear tries to take over, or that voice of self-doubt creeps in, remember: “Bui, I ain’t tuning into you.”
Instead, tune into hope. Tune into courage. Tune into the things that will elevate you.
The dial is in your hands. Where are you tuning today?
