Time is finite.
No, really??
Although the boundaries of time are blatantly obvious, we often take this precious resource for granted.
There are 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, 52 weeks in a year…and a limited, yet undetermined, number of years that we are living here on this planet.
According to one author[1] – we have an average of 4000 weeks in the here and now.
Science has made wonderful advances, but we still have not managed to outsmart nature. So for now, we have to accept that the number of weeks we will grace this earth are indeed restrained.
And 4000 weeks does not sound like anywhere near enough weeks to get done everything I want to accomplish in this lifetime!
Yikes – better hop to it!
The biggest quandary with time?
Control!
We often feel that we are not the ones dictating the use of our time. While this is partly true – we are definitely not in control of how long we have to roam the earth – we still do possess a relative command of the time we do have while we are here.
And this, is considerably more important (and attainable) than trying to outsmart science.
Although when we do manage to get a second kick at the can – and perhaps cheat death – this is obviously a deal breaker! But this gratitude tends to come full circle and the appreciation for what we fill those extra weeks with, takes center stage.
Ask someone who has been given a new lease on life (or has had the epiphany concerning time and choice) – what priority, for example, they would give to watch their child play a sport that they love (regardless of their age, skill or level)?
With limited time, we must find ways to manage this resource and accommodate our needs, wants and everything in between.
How many times have you heard someone – or yourself for that matter – lament that they “just don’t have the time”?
But that is often not (litterally) true.
The real issue – as the “time” actually exists – is that maybe the time is being allotted to another task, chore, activity, thought or obligation.
It’s a matter of choice and priority.
Moreover, it is a matter of accepting that choices often involve putting aside something (or someone) in order to prioritize another.
The only person who can make that choice is you. Only you know what matters most…to you.
I have been deeply inspired recently by those around be making tough choices, setting their priorities and sticking to their guns. I have also been moved by witnessing some miraculous health recoveries – and how these warriors can make some pretty simple things, ones that we may often take for granted, the choice that trumps the rest when planning their days.
I thought it was high time I reflected on the matter.
One life to live.
Choose wisely, as always, with Grit&Grace!
[1] Burkeman, Oliver, Four thousand weeks, Penguin Canada, July 2023. Disclaimer – I have not yet read the book, but heard about it during a conversation and the title and subject fit in quite nicely with my blog topic!
Grit&Grace 