As these summer days fly by, with reminders of the start of a new school year and the inevitable change in season, time seems to be on my mind. “Where has the summertime gone?” “Why isn’t there enough time in each day to finish my to-do list?” My memories bring me back to happier as well as sadder times. The passage of time is as constant as the changing of seasons.
Last week, my granddaughter watched me wind my watch (yes, I wear a watch that needs to be wound each day), and was fascinated. She had a difficult time understanding what I was doing and asked if I was “making up time!” How could I tell a watch what time it is, she wondered. It was a fun conversation and once again I pondered the gift of time.
I enjoy winding my watch, spending a few moments each day to simply think about time… the time at hand, the day ahead of me, how I spent the time that was mine to spend yesterday. What will I do with my time today, so that I might make memories that I will cherish, be kind and true to those I love, and simply make the world a better place?
Oftentimes we are not given the choice of how to use our time. Sometimes we are sitting at the bedside of someone we love who is dying. Sometimes we are struggling with anxiety that prevents us from doing what we wish. Sometimes it feels like all our time is being taken up by the depression that we feel.
We all have challenging moments like these. Moments, sometimes hours or days when it feels like time is standing still, or that we can’t endure another moment like this. It is during these times that it would be well to remember that time is fleeting, and we won’t always be in this situation. It won’t always be the day after your loved one died, just like it won’t always be the “happiest day of your life.”
Time always moves on. And when it does, it brings about changes, and the reminder that we can’t always control what is happening. Fortunately, however, we can choose how we react to what is happening. We can take time to be kind and gentle with ourselves. We can reach out to a trusted friend or therapist. We can look at the times in our lives and glean the love and the memories that we have. Memories become anchors that help us endure the inevitable storms in our lives.
One of the healthiest things we can do each day is to take time to savor the beauty that is all around us, and to collect moments of joy. Even during the worst of times, there is always a moment of joy, whether it is the response of our souls to the wonder of a sunrise or sunset, or clouds scuttling across the sky, or a tiny raindrop clinging to a branch. Be aware of the joy and beauty in this life. It will strengthen you for all the times of your life.
Domenica Rafferty, LPC 