Time: Such a simple word to describe such a complicated concept. Time is the most precious commodity there is, and the only resource that is evenly distributed throughout the entire universe - at 24 hour increments each...yet, some people never have enough of it, while others seem to have it in abundance! I wonder if that's because - like other precious resources, time is squandered by some and preserved by others - or invested wisely by some and spent foolishly by others...All I know for sure is that "time" is at a premium these days, and creates victims and villains with each passing moment...The victims can't achieve their goals because there's just no time...and the villains seem to rob everyone of time through wasteful vices...Time is the crutch propping up every excuse we have for shortcomings and Time is the hero when it comes to healing, learning, and growing.
I believe I played the "victim of time" role for a long time, using my shortage of time as rationale for not investing in myself, my friendships and my passions. There was no time to go to the gym, or go out for coffee...to read a book or join a book club. I didn't see the value of investing my precious resource in things that - at the time - seemed unproductive. But today, I view things differently. Today, I know that the time spent building relationships, taking care to have a healthy mind and body, and growing as a person will generate great returns. I may not end up with more time, but I'll have better quality time. A shift in priorities, from reactive "fire fighting" to a more relaxed focus on what truly matters has helped in the journey. I've learned to pick my battles and walk away from ones with a low impact outcome. I've learned to pick my friends and walk away from people who are toxic and draining. I've learned that doing what you truly enjoy stokes the fire and re-energizes you...so the time you'd typically spend complaining, recharging or resting can be put to much better use. I've learned to listen to my authentic voice...I had no idea what that meant for the longest time...all of the leadership books and courses kept saying "tune in to your authentic voice". I guess mine was so buried in all of the corporate acumen and "mom politics" that it was muffled at best! But time and it's cohort, patience allowed me the opportunity to finally hear...and the the message was: everyone really does only get 24 hours in a day...but we don't all get the same number of days in a lifetime, so stop racing to the finish line as if you know where the finish line is. Why would you want to sprint a marathon - there's no fun in that! My thirties were all about racing the clock. Young kids, young career and lots to get done. My mid-forties are all about adopting a new attitude that is more about slowing the clock...I know you can't cheat that sand back into the hourglass, but I'm hoping there's a way to see and appreciate each grain as it passes through. That's the word of the elusive authentic voice: spend time on what you enjoy, what you're good at, and what others can appreciate you for.
I flexed the "new attitude" muscle a few times this year, and I've got to admit - I like it! Take March Break for example. What would typically have been one of those rush around vacations where you max out every tourist attraction, book every excursion and schedule every minute was instead a clinic in relaxation! A cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean - surrounded by tranquil waters, family and good friends. Time stood still and it took a few days to release the urge to check the time - and to lose the "I have to be somewhere" feeling. It was liberating to surrender to laughter. To take a nap in the middle of the afternoon, to read a book or stroll on the deck at 3 in the morning - and to experience pure joy watching the kids meet new people and have the time of their lives. Stress free vacationing, like stress-free living, seems to replenish time by rejuvenating mind and body. Now, my challenge is to translate the surreal way of life on a cruise ship into a permanent euphoria in my real life...a lofty goal - but one that's worth aiming for...maybe the plans for a new backyard pool and hot tub will be a great launching point...surrounding ourselves with family, friends, great books, good food and maybe some Vegas-style nightclub act every once and a while. Follow up with midnight strolls, champaigne at sunrise and the occasional adrenaline-pumping adventure and I will have the time puzzle all figured out! Whatever lessons the passage of time delivers this year, I will turn to the simple, placid days on the ocean as my anchor when weathering any storms ahead!
