Time Stand Still

Dear friend,

I've been thinking about how quickly time passes now that I'm older.

I remember when I was young, still living at home with my parents, my mother used to comment on how quickly time flew by. I didn't have a clue what she was talking about. In fact, that seemed like one of her stranger comments.

As I got a little older and had young children of my own, the sages around shared their wisdom, telling me to enjoy every moment because in the blink of an eye those days with my littles would be over and I'd miss them dearly.

Their sentiments also made little sense to me.

I remember thinking how very long each and every day was, how some days felt like I was hanging on by a thread, trying to make it to nightfall when I could enter my own room, climb into my bed, and breathe in a few moments of rest.

Not long ago, I read a book called Happier at Home, written by Gretchen Rubin. In it she writes,

"The days are long, but the years are short."

An apt description of life filled with children.

Of course, I'm older now. My kids are grown. And I understand very well what those mentors meant.

What I'm finding now . . . each day itself actually is very short and the years are but a blip on my life's calendar.

Oftentimes, I feel like I've barely begun my day when it's already time to turn in for the night.

The other day, I was talking with my husband about a place I had traveled. It seemed like I'd gone only a few months ago, when in fact a year had passed since that trip. A full year! How did that happen?

It's similar to when someone comments that "It's almost Christmas." I think to myself, Didn't we just celebrate Christmas!? And, sadly, I'm not even joking when I think that.

It's quite unfathomable when I reflect on the years and events that have passed and try to process where the time has gone.

It should have a consistent feel to it. Time, after all, is a set unit. Twenty-four hours extend across the same span every day. Yet, this time-vanishing phenomenon feels more like some sort of freak trick my mind enjoys playing just to confuse me.

I once heard author Ryan Holiday say, "Catch yourself when you're wishing for summer; you're wishing away a season of your life."

That's so true. Our time is limited enough as it is.

I've made concerted efforts the past few years to purposefully embrace each day, to find fulfillment in my current stage of life, to enjoy my experiences in the moments I'm experiencing them.

I can't say those efforts have helped lengthen time. But hopefully I've locked in more good memories of a life lived rather than one wished away.

I think the song below from one of my all-time favorite rock bands sums it up best.

Here's to freezing "this moment a little bit longer" and making "each sensation a little bit stronger." 🥂

—M

If you enjoyed reading this, please sign up below to receive my weekly newsletter. Your support helps this site continue.