There are many adages about time; that it "heals all wounds," that it is "on our side," that it is "the greatest dilemma," that "time and tide wait for no man," and that "time is the wisest counselor of all." These examples are a mere sampling, and undoubtedly there are many more. Although each adage contains truth in its meaning, I believe the most important meaning of all is decided by us. That meaning is found within our relationship with the clock and time. True, time does have power, especially if we accept and understand the gift and opportunity it presents to us each and every day. Even so, many of us have such complicated relationships with time that create inner turmoil which may be expressed as a looming sense of fear, frustration or lack. We gauge our lives by whether we are behind or ahead of the number on the clock. We judge ourselves and our value or success by what the clock tells us about our work and responsibilities. If this sounds like you, I would like to offer another, much more empowering and Self-honoring perspective.
Though our culture is surely a speedy one—we love to get things done faster and better—it is not always the healthiest choice to try to speed up. The world is going fast and changes are happening fast. Culture is changing and AI is growing very rapidly to help us get "more done in less time." Hence, we go faster and endeavor to "farm out" our list of to-do's. But then, how do we feel? You'd think we'd feel so much better! Instead we may feel an obligation to squeeze in yet another thing, and another. Often the fast pace and this false sense of "relief" can create more stresses we need to recover from...which we do by spending more screen time to relax, or indulging in afflictions or addictions for a fix as quick as the pace of our lives. I would argue these results are not manifesting a positive perspective or a healthier relationship with time. Although they may be increasing the quantity in our lives, I'm not so sure they are always genuinely improving the true quality of them.
Most of us feel beholden to outside influences. And of course we are just trying to do our best by taking in all the information we can. We endeavor to raise our own bar by navigating the voices that keep telling us what we need to or should do with our time. Many voices can increase our tendency to question or doubt our own decisions, making us feel pressure and less confidence in our own assessments. This may encourage us to do something others are doing rather than actually deciding (for ourselves) what is right for us. This choice arises from that outer perspective rather than an inner perspective. Let's be honest. Few of us actually spend time asking ourselves what time "means" to us and settling on a truly empowering meaning. Who has the time? LOL. (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Even so, it is important to ask how then can we possibly start to use time to create a better quality of life? How can we begin cultivating a different kind of relationship with time that is actually satisfying and encouraging? What could happen if we invested time on what we truly want and value instead of using it to just keep filling ourselves with more, more, more? Here's a pretty good guess. Surely something much more refreshing and validating than ground hog day.
Here are a few things to think about. Time is not just "time". It is life. As well, time is infinite, so it never will run out, (even though we've been taught to believe our time will) yet there is more to the story. When we invest our time developing our mindset, or elevating our perspective, connecting with Divine influences, creating healing or developing our beliefs and personas in healthy ways, we are connecting to the more infinite nature of time. Here we don't feel the ticking clock in our ears. When we go within to create a healthier connection with ourselves by coming to know what we really need and want in this lifetime, it is much easier to befriend the clock and time because we more easily go through a process of "streamlining." Streamlining helps us to innately know what is important and what is not. And, where we want to invest time instead of spend or waste it. In truth, the clock is not your problem nor is it your enemy. It is your friend. Time is a gift when used as a reminder that it can be a powerful vehicle for growth, health improvement, personal development or simply creating a life of greater richness and quality. In these ways, time becomes a catalyst for optimism, sustainable happiness, meaning and satisfaction in life instead of just that pesky "one more thing" to manage or stress about.
In my own life, getting off the merry-go-round of being a slave to the clock and beginning to make new decisions around time, has dramatically changed the way I live. I get up earlier. I enjoy the little things more. I allow a flow each day that incorporates and respects what is happening in my moments. I appreciate each day as a rich new creation rather than forcing it to be a carbon copy of yesterday or the template for tomorrow. I am more aware of beauty around me, and I am so much more grateful for what shows up in my life. I realize these are the things which have become very nourishing to me and I need in my life. They support my goals and give me a feeling of cohesive steadiness no matter the day. I enjoy a much deeper connection to myself, God, nature and those I love—and a much greater appreciation for the ways I use time. Investing my time intentionally with Self-honor has given me a deeper appreciation for my business and the ability and blessing it affords me. Touching lives with my content, services and products. To me, this a deeply valuable use of time.
Time is always in your hands. I invest mine in many ways. One of my absolute favorite uses of time is curating and sharing wise, helpful and encouraging content to uplift and inspire those visiting my website, social media platforms or those who purchase our products and services. I hope you will consider what a richer perspective of time could mean to you and explore the ways in which you might invest it, to make your own precious life even better. You'll likely find as I did, that assigning time to contemplate, search for and discover what actualizes the wisdom within your own self and life, will make time feel more like a genie and life feel just a little more magical. Who couldn't use a bit more of that? Creating your own beautiful meaning for time is not only the best gift you can give yourself. It's also having that sense of knowing you are on the right track to discovering the unique secrets time holds for YOU, and then holding them with confidence and joy, in your very own hands.
Always for YOU,
Karen