As an existentialist, the saying 'Don't squander time for it's the stuff that life is made of' is a lesson that carries a certain foreboding. What freaks me out is that I won't have enough time. Enough time to do all I want and see all I hope to see. Enough time with those I love.
Even if I live to 150, it won't ever really be enough. Who has ever really had enough of this wonderful gift of life? Even in the terrible times, there is promise of a better future.
Rather than throw myself into a panic (la nausee as Sartre would say), which used to plague me as a child before I even knew what an existentialist was, I now focus on what I have now. I'm celebrating each day in it's minutiae while still planning the next big thing in the future. My facebook feed reads as a 'who wants to do this?' with links to future fun. There is great comfort in celebrating the present, while 'knowing' what's round the corner (at least in anticipation).
So if you freak out about the issues of life and aging like me, remember the wisdom of Norton Juster: "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. ”
Always be asking what will you do with your one wild and precious life?
Linking with #IMustConfess
Oh I haven't read that quote before - I like it! I used to have time issues, and still use this affirmation "There is time and space for all I need and want to do today." Helps to slow me down, and keep focused on the here and now x
ReplyDeleteOh I haven't read that quote before - I like it! I used to have time issues, and still use this affirmation "There is time and space for all I need and want to do today." Helps to slow me down, and keep focused on the here and now x
ReplyDeleteIt's weird because when you are faced with a potentially life threatening illness like I was you do realise that all you want is do be able to do all the simple things that you took for granted instead of schlepping to the hospital for treatment. I haven't had any epiphany where I suddenly realise there is this one big, great thing that I need to do, I just want the little things to go on.
ReplyDeleteI was once on a really bad flight (and I began to think we might crash - the plane was going all over the place and no one was allowed out of their seats) and I started getting quite teary at the thought that I might not watch the grand final again. I think the little things are fabulous, and wanting them to go on if a great appreciation of your life (like what I think those gratitude journals are trying to get you to do).
DeleteNot meaning to belittle the enormity of what you went through, I meant sometimes in fear your mind picks the most random thing to focus on. I hope that didn't come across as insensitive.
DeleteWhat a beautiful quote and so true.
ReplyDeleteI like this one: All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
See that is not something I really think about at all!
ReplyDeleteI have never thought about that concept at all. I have learned something new today.
ReplyDeleteYou're lucky!!
DeleteThat last quote is quite riveting. I think I will print that out for future reference - I need that reminder!
ReplyDeleteRides that fly in the air freak me out. A lot of technical things can go wrong. I just hate them.
ReplyDelete