Understanding the Illusion of Time

No one one tells you how much time you have, how would they know?

We believe we have all the time in the world to achieve the things we set out to do. How often does the thought of everyone seeing the amazing accomplishments and successes you're going to have cross your mind? In most of the dream scenarios, everyone is there. A person doesn't normally wake up with the mindset of, "I need to do X by Y time so that they won't miss this". The lack of time, is never thought of, until some crash of an awakening comes that reminds you, it's generosity is running out.

Let me photograph you in this light in case it is the last time

That we might be exactly like we were before we realised

We were sad of getting old, it made us restless

It was just like a movie, it was just like a song - Adele

From a young age, you're encouraged to write a list of all the goals you have. What are you going to achieve. As a child the reality of how long it takes to accomplish something, isn't at the forefront of your mind. You don't understand the reality or complexity of achieving those goals, not yet. The hope is always there, that for the biggest moments in life, everyone will be there to see them. Because at that point, what is going to stop them from being there?

Time and the abundance of it can be such a frivolous thought to most people. You've got all the time in the world, well so do I. How often have you found yourself saying, "that's something that I can do late, I have time"? When prioritizing those exotic trip destinations, you think "I'm young, I have time to see that place later".

We speak as though time and the amount of time we have is something completely and totally in our control. Does anyone ever actually question it, when you've been taught to think it'll always be there? See this abundance of time and the nonchalance we have about it, only becomes clear when faced with something that has a clearly defined end. Only then when faced with the discomfort of the reality that this luxury we have, might actually run out. Only then, when it's staring you right in the face, does it become clear that time is not actually on your side. Time can be generous, but it can also be cruel.

"The good days are short and the bad days are long" - a friend

If there was one thing I wish I really understood earlier, it is this. You don't need examples from me to understand what this means. Chances are you too know what this feels like, because time creeps up on you in the most unsuspecting of ways. You're left to experience the aftermath of it on your own, with others if you have the support. If you haven't experienced this, please learn this lesson now.

Take advantage of the the time you do have. Reflect on the good moments, as well as the bad. Take what lessons you can learn from from them, and use that to guide your future. Stop pushing things off until later if you can help it. The time to try new things is now. Enjoy those precious moments with those cherished to you, because you never really know how many left you have.

Time is never promised.

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