All the while we’re out there, doing whatever it is that we’re doing, the clock is ticking and moments are passing. Can we honestly say that we’re making perfect, or at least good use of time? That we’re happy with what we spend it on?
Something so precious as time, is sadly often taken for granted, wished away or just not cared for. And this is a great shame. We can never tread the same step twice, touch the same waters or get opportunities back, and so it’s down to us to act in moments when they arrive. Otherwise, we may look back and wish we’d stepped out more and not let things slip between our fingers.
Perhaps there’s a new adventure we want to embark on, a friendship to invest in, a career line to take, a love affair to run with, a dream to follow, a call to make. Wherever we are on our journeys, we need to open our eyes to what’s before us, and our ears to hear it calling our name.
It may mean that we need to create some new behaviour, to get things started. These new opportunities calling us over could seem scary and risky, out there in unknown parameters. Doubts may arise and fear set in. We’ll want to cling to our comfort blanket, the place we’ve been rested so long. So, we’ll need courage and strength to lay the first foundations, and thirst and enthusiasm to see us through into the new life.
When we start to make truly good use of time, we will feel a change of flow. And this is natural; time will take on a new meaning. Things may suddenly speed up or an hour could last a lifetime. This is a part of the process, of breaking free from the humdrum of wasted time, wasted moments. It is important to reach out and not just stay where we are, living in wonder of what life could be.
Recently, I’ve decided to make some changes. In seeing my time as precious and dear to me, I’ve chosen to spend my moments with people I feel real joy and happiness being with, to do the things my heart is in and to say yes to new experiences and adventures I had only dreamt of.
What we choose in our present is what defines our future. Each choice, each action counts in its making. We won’t simply arrive somewhere one day we’ve been longing for – not unless we set stones today. This is why we need to act. We need to ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’, bite the bullet, strike whilst it’s hot and shake things up a notch.
Remember, things can get better. Time can be an amazing healer, a tool, a valuable source, a treasure. You can have the life you truly want. Make time work in your favour. Make it count, last and accommodate all of your inner desires. Make the best use of this gem that you ever have before. Let it astound you.
Take a look at your life as it is. Is time working for you or against you? Are you flying high or staying low? What could you bring in/act on today that you haven’t already?
23/01/2010 at 18:33
Very wise words and so inspiring! Thank you.
26/01/2010 at 10:52
Thanks Rosanna. This is a great reminder that the changes I’m making this year are on the right track.
Where do you find the balance though? Is it worth spending hours and days working for your dream in the future, even though it might not necessarily be cherishing the time in the present?
Don’t get me wrong – I love spending time on my business (which is how I want to live my life – working on my own profitable projects, helping people, and having the flexibility to travel the world) – but sometimes I worry that I’m not taking time to take care of me too.
26/01/2010 at 17:42
Definitely a thought provoking topic that I’ve been thinking about alot myself. Sometimes you wonder if all of the time you’re spending with work (which is my own business) with the hopes of it becoming something big in the future is worth it when there’s no guarantee that it will result in the outcome you’re striving for. Will this time be regretted for how it otherwise could have been spent if I don’t achieve the outcome I’m working towards?
26/01/2010 at 17:43
Continuing with my last comment…. that leads us to the question of whether the journey or the destination is more important?
26/01/2010 at 22:52
Definitely hear you Libby – I too am working really hard on my business – staying up late nights, weekends, etc because I can see where it can take me. However, at some point I wouldn’t necessarily want to work at this pace because it’s not really great for my health and vitality (even though I enjoy it)
hmmm – food for thought
28/01/2010 at 19:16
Aha, also in response to Libby’s words. My New Year’s Resolution is to – Enjoy The Ride!
In the past I’ve tried to shape my life by control and never actually enjoying it! I’m trying to lose this frame of mind (its a challenge mind!) and pay more attention to the journey.
28/01/2010 at 20:40
Hi guys,
Thank you for your comments.
What we spend our precious time on is certainly something to think very carefully about, isn’t it? Do we want to bathe in the moments, or plan for and invest in the future of our dreams?
Well, I propose that we do both. And I say this with a great belief that we can. That we can enjoy each step of our journey AND create the life of our dreams. If you’re at the stage of planning and investing great time into a business, then see this as a stepping stone to your great vision. Know why you are here. Find the positive in your experience. Allow yourself to get excited about what you are doing. Also, take good time away from it, if you’re burning out, to recharge and do something completely different and fun.
We must listen to and follow our hearts, reaching for our dreams every step of the way. Have a clear vision of what you are after as your guiding force and be able to relax, knowing that you will make it.
If you have so much heart and energy involved to create the life you’re so after, you will achieve it. But be sure to enjoy the present moments – these are important too.
Rosanna
18/02/2010 at 11:30
Rosanna, your words ring true for me as well, as do the other replies (Hi Libby!). Here’s my 2010 mantra: More Zen in 2010. And interestingly enough, I am now creating like crazy and working a stressful day job and don’t feel rushed like I used to. In the slowing down I do more! I am more focused, peaceful, and energized. Who woulda thunk?