Like Sands Through the Hourglass

I was at a “board meeting” with some fellow paddle boarders and we were talking about work and retirement. At one point, I said “I can’t wait” and I immediately caught myself. And at the same time, my new retired friend said “don’t be in a hurry.” You’re right, you’re right! I’m going to be 50 in February and this concept of time has been top of mind lately. It’s not a weight because I’m not concerned. I’m just very aware of it slipping away like water through your fingers or, as my favorite day time soap opera always says, “Like sand through the hourglass, these are the Days of Our Lives”!

Milestone birthdays, death, breakups, are all big events that can tune us in to the passage of time. It will happen regardless of any actions we take. The key is to be engaged and doing things that fill you up. Or alternately, you could keep surfing the sofa and binge watch K-dramas. The choice is always ours in how we spend the time. And as I write that, I’m reminded of another discussion on how you use your money. Are you spending it or investing it? The same can be asked of your time. Binge watching Netflix is definitely spending time. I’d only consider it an investment if I was watching for research purposes to write my own K-drama. Hey, that’s not a bad idea! But on the whole, streaming media, browsing social media, they’re all time fillers, but are they filling your cup, satisfying your soul? Things like spending time with family and friends you love, doing a hobby you enjoy, practicing a skill, those are things I would consider investments of time. Everyone’s operational definition of spending versus investing will be a little different. The key is to be aware of it and strive to invest more than you spend.