Do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of.

I think a lot about time - in fact, I've written a number of posts about the passing of time, the importance of time and the need for more time - which I will in part regurgitate here. Some of you will recognise the title (the Benjamin Franklin quote, as I repeat it often). It's such an important lesson, and needs to be repeated often.

We were on holidays, and moved every two to three days. Instead of making the trip seem harried, it seemed to stretch time. Even a two night stay seemed like an eternity, and the previous destination seemed a lifetime ago. It would be lovely if we could control the fluidity of time. Make the hard times fly by, and the precious moments stretch out to savour. Alas, I'm not sure how it all works, but I know we have no control over time.

We do have control over what we do with our time. Many years ago I wrote a post asking Santa to give me the one thing I needed, more time:

1. Time to see all the wonders of the world, the lava fall into the ocean in Hawaii, the Pyramids, Antarctica in all it's glory, the craziness of Vegas, the animals of the Galapagos Islands and everything else I've yet to lay eyes on.

2. Time to understand all the marvels of science. I was never very interested in science at school, and now as I realise how little I know, I find I'm the one asking the questions at the Observatory, or pausing in fascination at the Powerhouse. I'd like to truly know it all, not to show off but because every new fact is such an intriguing joy of discovery.

3. Time to enjoy with my friends. We rush from social event  to social event, and it becomes tiring - the looming dinner impinges on the leisurely lunch. The pressure to see people takes away from the pleasure of actually seeing them. I want to fit everyone in more frequently, and being able to enjoy it at the time.

4. Time with my children. They are getting busier, so our time together when the outside world isn't breaking in is getting less and less. I want time to engage and play with them, without thinking about the washing or the next place we have to be or the other people I need to be talking to. I just want to enjoy being with them, and the people they're becoming.

5. Time to get stuff done, and done well. I am falling apart in the multitasking dept, and I feel like the mouse in the spinning wheel, getting nowhere. I am racing through a 'to do' list but nothing seems to get done. I want time to get it all done and feel organised in the process.

All that still stands true for me, but realistically, I won't get more time. I don't even know how much time I have left. So it is up to me to make better use of my time. Triage my life and make time. If you have found yourself waiting out time in a job or situation that makes you unhappy, it's time to move on. If you have big dreams, it's time to get started. Meatloaf said it best (bet you never thought you'd read that sentence?!) "If you're only killing time, it will kill you right back". No more of the "I'll just wait until...." It's more now or never.

The most precious resource we have is time, so it's time to make it count. "Time is a gift, given to you, given to give you the time you need, the time you need to have the time of your life." (Norton Juster, Phantom Tollbooth)

PS I did get to Hawaii, but the lava wasn't falling into the ocean. However I saw many other amazing things so can't complain!

Linking with #Tellusabout....on Time