Time
Time is constant, it drives our lives with events both personal and professional, activities, chores, and both our wishes and dreams. Many of us worry about time in one form or another on a daily basis.
When we were younger, we couldn’t wait to get older and hit certain mile markers like finally becoming a teenager, becoming 16, obtaining a driver’s license, and then turning 18. An adult at last, then it was graduating high school and moving on to college, technical school, or employment. A few years later, 21 was the next big milestone to achieve. You were legally able to drink, rent a car, and book a hotel room on your own. It’s interesting how the phrase, “do you remember when” crept into our conversations with old friends from high school and college.
Time seemed to slip by a bit quicker. Before you knew it, there were bridal showers, stag nights, and weddings to attend. Then, there were baby showers and playgroups to create. Houses were bought and game nights at home with friends became the norm. Late nights out at a bar have given way to dinners with friends, usually at child-friendly spots where the kids can be as loud without worry.
Life keeps moving forward. I remember a saying about how the young couldn’t wait to grow older and that the old would like to slow time down. I never realized how true that saying was until I retired and I had a chance to breathe. I no longer was running to school or trying to grade, do housework that needed to be done, or spend quality time with my family after school was finished. No more meetings, mandatory trainings, parent trainings/parent nights to attend that encroached on my weekends. Yet, time was still moving quickly around me and I was the one slowing down.
So now, I have time, lots of time. A chance to heal my body and get healthy. Time to reconnect with old friends lost to the hustle and bustle of life. Time to wander with my camera, crochet for babies who are due soon, and yes, time for me to write. Strangely enough, I haven’t read as much this year, unless it was for research. I love to read, but I’m not able to sit and focus on a good book lately.
It is said that old habits die hard. I still fill out a monthly calendar, mostly so that I don’t forget due dates for blogs, writing drafts, and emails. I also assign specific days for writing, editing, research, and drawing/paints. I used to laugh when older relatives got together and they all talked about their weekly doctor appointments. Somehow, it’s happening with me! It is nice to sit and binge watch an old favorite series because now I have the time. It’s also a great feeling to not rush through things and to say, I can finish this tomorrow or the day after without feeling guilty.
Having time to sit back and reflect on the past is a luxury. I’ve given up the “woulda-coulda-shoulda” in my life; it’s a waste of my time. There is a certain luxury in looking towards the future: planning adventures with friends and family, or sometimes, just dreaming of the possibilities the future provides.
Today, I leave you with this thought on time by Soven Kierkegaard,
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
Cheers to the storyteller in all of us!