You Are Here (For Now)

A Guide to Finding Your Way

By: Adam J. Kurtz

Narrated by: Adam J. Kurtz

An honest and relatable guide to figuring out where you’re headed—and feeling okay in the meantime.


When life feels uncertain, or just plain out of control, making intentional choices can help us move forward and find our way. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge, but for anyone waiting for that big, obvious sign from the universe: This is it!

This candid collection of essays is full of reflections, encouragement, and insights on the theme of personal transformation—realistic perspectives to help you move from “staying alive” to nurturing and celebrating the person you know you really are.

From the generous and slightly jaded mind of artist Adam J. Kurtz, these pages explore mental health, identity, handling setbacks, and finding humor in the unknown—and will be a touchstone for seekers, graduates, creatives, and anyone who’s trying to figure out what’s next (and maybe even feel a little hopeful about it).

Critic reviews

“This book reminds us all to be unapologetically flawed and beautifully human. Adam's work serves as a permission slip to show up authentically and without shame. What a special gift.”
–Alexandra Elle, author of After the Rain

“Adam J. Kurtz is the relatable voice in a sea of expensive and excessive ‘wellness’ BS that says, ‘cut the crap, let’s get real, let’s get silly, let’s get through this.’ And I’m here for it.”
–Moorea Seal, author of The 52 Lists Series

“Adam acknowledges that life is messy and often frustrating, but always worth living. His art and words flourish with honesty and humor, reminding us that the best way--perhaps the only way--to move through each day is with more of the same.”
–Meera Lee Patel, artist and author of Start Where You Are and Create Your Own Calm

“Adam is singularly gifted with the ability to make you vigorously nod with recognition and in the same breath wonder, Did he just change my entire life?"
–Mari Andrew, author of Am I There Yet? and My Inner Sky

"Adam J. Kurtz never ceases to ground us in humor and realism with an effortless kindness underscoring everything he creates. You Are Here (For Now) makes me feel like I’m going to be ok, because it reminds me that not being ok is normal and even necessary. In a world obsessed with instant success, Adam reminds us to slow down and enjoy all the awkward pleasures of being human."
–Chani Nicholas, astrologer and author of You Were Born For This

"Just like people, some books are challenging, some are boring, some are beautiful. And some, like Adam JK's latest book, are like your new best friend. You Are Here (For Now): A Guide To Finding Your Way does what we’d all like our close friends to do for us in these difficult times: it picks you up when you’re down, it gives wise counsel, it encourages us in our creative work, it’s funny and gentle and caring, and it’s a book you just want to be around."
–Debbie Millman, Host of the Design Matters podcast and author of Why Design Matters

10/10 recommend

I am reading this for the 3rd time now. I’ve given the hard copy of this book to a friend going through a hard time and she’s obsessed with it as well. I keep coming back to it and to specific spots in the novel where I know helped me the most. This is by far the best type of therapy i’ve ever received and i’ve actually been through many therapists lol. Literally bowing down to you, Adam. Well done.

Very meaningful

Absolutely loved hearing Adam read his new book. Having his emphasis and inflection gave many passages added meaning. Felt very much like listening to a friend.

The Best Kind of Therapy

You don’t need to do mushrooms to get some life perspective, lift your spirits, and giggle a little — you just need to listen to this book.

I think it’s worth getting a physical copy of the book as well, but having it read by the author, Adam, adds an extra level of soothing. AND how convenient is it to have the audio version so you can indulge in some light therapy while you're stuck in traffic?!

Ok, you can still do the mushrooms if you want. I’m just saying, listening to this audiobook is probably easier than calling your friend Dave and driving 40 minutes to his blacklight-poster-decorated apartment.