Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about time and the power it wields over us. We can’t feel or see time; it’s intangible and formless, yet it defines our lives.
We all share universal phrases about time: What time is it? Is there enough time? It’s time for a change. I’ll get to it when I have time. Time for bed. Time to go to work. Look at the time! Time’s running out . . .
And it’s that last one that scares us the most. As we age into our 60’s and beyond, is there anyone amongst us who doesn’t think about how much time we have left? Like my husband is fond of saying, “There’s more sand now at the bottom of the hourglass than at the top.” Time is outside of our control; we are forced to continually move forward in time knowing there are no brakes we can apply to stop it!
It frightens us to think about running out of time because when our time ends, we end – at least in the physical sense. But what happens after our time on earth ends? Many of us believe there is something more on the other side, an afterlife free of pain and suffering, an afterlife free of the constraints of time!
But what can we do right now to make the best of our time here on earth? As we grow older, our priorities change because the time we have left becomes so very precious. As the sand of life slips through the hourglass, how will we spend that remaining time?
In retirement, I’ve made a choice to enjoy my remaining time by doing what I love but also by giving and receiving love. Love empowers us; the more love we give, the more we receive and the more fulfilled our lives become. Love is really our only weapon against the ravages of time for love transcends time, making life worth living!
Although it’s become a cliche to “live in the moment,” the present is all we really have. By opening our hearts to love each day, we can alter our perception of time and maybe even learn to finally embrace it as the priceless gift it truly is!
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We used to laugh at parents who bought domestic goods and said ‘That will see us out.’ Using your time when it’s running out is a paradox because you want to fit lots of things in, but it is also good to sit soaking up the sun not worrying about the time. Most of my retired friends are bursting with creative energy, doing things you love and being with friends and family is all you need.
Love what you do, do what you love!
Such a wise and beautiful post that captures the slight panic that one feels as we age, and tells us of your own very positive way of using your time. Thanks for sharing, Nancy.
Thank you, Cynthia!