Physicists define time as the progression of events from the past to the present and into the future. According to Albert Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity, he determined that time is relative—in other words, the rate at which time passes depends on your frame of reference.
Over a decade ago I was looking into how I could position myself to be financially free. The definition of being financially free for most, is having the financial means (savings, investments, and cash) to afford a certain lifestyle you want —plus a nest egg for retirement and the freedom to do what you want, when you want, without the need to earn a certain salary.
An interesting factoid about being financially free is that it essentially just buys you time – time to do what you want to do, and the freedom to choose what you want to do with your time. This brings us back to your own unique set of values and what you want to do with your life.
So, the bigger question is, what does time represent for you in regards to how you want to use it. It’s amazing how our judgment and perspective of time brings us back to Einstein’s theory of relativity, and is based upon your frame of reference and interpretation. The quintessential question is, “what do I want to do with my time?” Through the years I have learned and witnessed that if we do not stand firm in our values, someone always has a plan on how to use your time. Whether it be helping them with a project, loaning them money, or spending time with them. This is where getting clear with your highest values and recognizing when you need to be firm in the decisions that you make becomes invaluable. The moment we allow others to override and supersede our highest values is when our body gives us subtle feedback so we can start choosing ourselves over another. The more we ignore these subtle signs, the more constant and intense they become, until we finally choose to love ourselves and put ourselves first.
Body symptoms such as pain, digestive issues, and autoimmune disorders are your body’s way of communicating with you to stop, pause, and reassess how you are spending your time and energy. The fact of the matter is that we always have the time to do what we really want to do, however time always seems to fly by in those instances. Time goes relatively slow (think molasses) when we are not inspired, and doing something that is not of our highest value. If you really think about it, our time is fully accountable and we are the ones fully responsible for protecting our time. We have the power of choice in how we allocate the time we spend doing the things we love or doing things out of obligation.
Time marches on, and like sleep, we can never regain it. We may try to catch up on sleep, but research has shown we cannot regain lost sleep. Our bodies end up suffering without enough restful sleep. Hence once again, prioritizing what’s most important for you will help you live a more balanced life.
Old idioms such as “time well spent” is based on how one perceives their actions in a certain allotted amount of time. A person who values work over play, may see someone choosing to play tennis, golf, or pickleball as wasted time, while another person who incorporates golf or pickleball to connect with business contacts, will see it as time well spent.
Overall, know that your time is valuable. Until you determine how you want to spend your energy and time, you will allow others to dictate your time and ultimately the rhythm of your life. Stay mindful and choose to be aware versus just going with the flow and waiting for others to direct the way you live your life and how you spend your time. Even resting can be a valuable use of time if it helps you to recharge, or gives you the space to reflect and check in to see if you are in alignment with your values. Choose yourself and be steadfast in your decision, which will help you to live a more inspired life filled with events and experiences that take your breath away!
