Today, I spent hours trying to figure out iCloud (I’m not the first, nor the last I’m sure). I became irrationally frustrated and was forced to step away due to my ridiculous state of mind. Caused by no human being mind you, but a piece of technology designed to make my life easier.
Upon contemplation, I realized that my frustration lay in the waste of my time. I felt as if my time should have been used elsewhere. That I have a long list of things to do (as do we all) and this was dragging on way longer than expected.
How often do we feel this way about things that happen each day? That we are running out of time and there’s so much to do…
“A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” – Charles Darwin
Time is an illusion
During my time spent contemplating this conundrum, I realized how silly this feeling was. That these few hours should not have caused such stress and such a reaction from me.
The thing about time is that it’s important not to waste it, as we never know how much we have left. However, it is quite likely I have many years ahead of me. It is even possible that I will reach the age where I see my grandchildren get Married.
Perspective
To put this in perspective for you, I am currently 32 and getting married in 9 weeks. I have no children at all.
The idea that I may see my grandchildren get married (like most of mine will see me marry), is insane! But so significant a concept. If I’m lucky, I still have many years ahead of me: to have children, watch them grow up and deal with their own life issues, saying they’re busy and have no time. I’ll then Witness them getting married, having their own children and seeing that next generation grow into adults. And still then, some years later, have time to be present for yet another round of nuptials.
That’s a lot of time to go! Yet I have no time?
And the Rest
Following this train of thought, let’s consider other aspects of life. How many jobs or career changes may happen for me over the next 50 or more years? What challenges will I face with my health in that time. The losses, the wins, the gains and the failures. There is actually so much time to experience it all.
If we pause and look around.
“Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time,’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.” – Lao Tzu
Mindful of Time
Looking back at my frustration earlier, I realized that I had lost so many hours because I had been so consumed with the issue and had literally felt lost for what felt like, the entire day. No wonder I was losing my mind and frustrated.
What if I had paused though? And taken a moment to realize that the issue will be sorted. In time. That there was no point in allowing it to frustrate me. If I had just looked up, I would’ve seen the sun was shining, I was in great company and I had the day off!
If I had sat doing nothing all afternoon in that environment, I would not have felt the same anxiety that I was wasting my life away. I would have enjoyed the time for what it was. Joyful and positive.
Perhaps the answer is, to be more mindful of time and how we spend it.
Moving Forward
Looking ahead, I can only try to implement this strategy to improve my mindset in regards to time management. To remember that actually, I have so much time left.
It’s important to make the most of today BECAUSE we have so much time ahead. To eat well and exercise so we have the best chance to maintain our health. Continue to be mindful of money and planning our financial future. To nurture our relationships, as it is likely there is 50 or more years left with this loved one, or our friends. Choose them well. Avoid being too busy for these essentials in life.
Time is a life sentence of our own choosing. Stop wishing the work week away, and enjoy each and every day. Simply because you really do enjoy it, or because you are planning for the future joy that you want.
Closing Thoughts
Just in case those 50 or more years don’t happen for you, or your loved ones. Be sure to schedule time for those you care for.
- If today were your last today, how would you spend it?
- If you knew you had one week left to live, what would you do?
- What about one year?
- Now, imagine you have 50 years, or 60, or 70. How does that make you feel?
I would love to hear from you in the comments below, be sure to subscribe so you receive our weekly newsletter with our favorite posts and helpful tips delivered to your inbox.
“The timeless in you is aware of life’s timelessness. And knows that yesterday is but today’s memory and tomorrow is today’s dream.” – Kahlil Gibran
Love and Light
Lauren x
