Today is August 18, 2018 (see August 18, 2018 on my Facebook page for video)
Time is a funny thing. It has a way of muddling things in our minds. Are we in 2017 or is it 2018? Am I fifty-one or fifty-two?
How we view time can also color our experiences and attitudes.
If we don’t feel we have enough time to accomplish what we want to we can feel stressed, frustrated, or anxious. On Thursday I was running late to my 9 a.m. French lesson. I was scurrying along the street and I felt anxious. I knew I’d hear the church tower chime in a minute and I would not be at the school. But as soon as I recognized I was feeling anxious I slowed my steps and took a deep breath. I immediately felt calmer even as I the clock began to strike 9 40 feet from my school.
If we believe it takes too long to accomplish something that can make us feel impatient or even hopeless. I’m currently reading a 360 page novel in French. Last night after reading a few pages, I looked at the book and the 330 pages that remain for me to complete that book and I thought to myself, “I’ll never finish this.” But I checked myself and reminded myself that that was not true. I have already read two other books in French this year and I felt the same way as I was starting those too.
My questions for you today are:
Do you consider time to be more of a friend or more of a foe? Do you see it helping you or hindering you? And, why do feel that way?
Time is abstract and can change how we view the world. Recognizing this and seeing time as a friend can reduce stress in our lives and create a sense of possibility. Time can be on our side. If we start out toward our goals, and make gradual progress we can achieve our goals. It has been through gradual daily progress that I was able to finish reading two French books already, that I was able to lose 75 pounds, and that I was able to move to France.
Thanks for watching. Bye for now.
Patricia Brooks is a life experiences coach, speaker, and the author of Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life you Live. She is the host of the Discovering Courage Podcast where each week she explores how ordinary people have managed to live extraordinary lives. Patricia is currently living in France, pursuing her dreams.
Photo Credit: Elisha Terada