Time – Where Have You Gone?

I feel that I am obsessed with the concept of time this year. Scientifically, it is measured with a watch, and separated into labeled sections such as hours or days. But, it feels relatively different to each person and situation without a timepiece.

Time lost can never be replaced. You may be able to repeat the activities of a previous event, but you can’t go back and relive those exact minutes.

This makes each moment precious. We take time for granted until the moment we realize how much time is worth. By then it can be too late to make something good out of the time we have left.

In our youth, time can’t pass quickly enough. We can’t wait to “be big”, to grow up, to get our driver’s license, to be independent, to be an adult. Then, once we realize the responsibilities that come with growing up and being an adult, we regret wishing our childhood away.

Suddenly, there are monthly bills and our daily living costs. Our precious free time is not free anymore but filled with jobs for paychecks. In most cases, however, we can still balance our schedules enough to enjoy our non-working hours.

As we begin to age, so do our loved ones. Our beloved elders start to die, leaving aching holes in our hearts. Still, it may not be enough for us to realize the value of a moment.

But, as we lose more and more of our loved ones we start to regret the time we never spent with them that we could have. If we are wise, we begin to make time for those we still have.

Life continues after we pass on. Someone else steps into our shoes at our job. Our unfinished projects remain unfinished. In just a short while, people who barely knew us forget who we were.

When it’s our turn to go, who will miss us? Who can we say we spent enough time with that there would be a hole in their life?

How we spend our time is our legacy.  People will remember us for the lives we’ve touched and the things we have done.

Not only does all work and no play make Jack a dull boy; but it also leaves him an unremarkable cog in a wheel after he’s gone. Few will remember him as being a great worker.

I’ve been extremely busy this last year with the many various projects I’ve begun. Suddenly, I realize how little time I have spent with people that I care about. And I know that needs to change.

The only time you can make memories is the present moment. The time is NOW to live life to the fullest.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What are the top 5 things I spend time on during the week?
• What things can I delay for a day or a week or more?
• What things do I waste time on when I could be spending it with loved ones?
• What personal interactions have I declined or put off this week?
• Who haven’t I spoken with in a year or more? Why not?
• Who are the most important people in my life? Do I communicate with them weekly? Monthly?
• What changes can I make in my life to prioritize those who I care about?