I’m not sure if it is a function of age or the age in which we live, but time seems to slip by very quickly. Where did the day go? Where did the year go? And as careful as we are with other resources in our life, like money, food, possessions, etc., we are sometimes sloppy with how we use our primary resource, Time.
This got me thinking about how I use time. I have observed for myself that age increases my awareness that time is not infinite, at least for me in this life. On my last day looking back at all the hours in my life, will I be satisfied with how I used that time? Would I wish that I had spent less time frivolously? Less TV or games? More composing and playing music? More time with friends, family?
So then, almost in an instant, the Faces of Time presented themselves. I like organization and quantification, and this provides me with a lens by which to view my use of time. It provides a frame of reference to have a balanced approach to time. And in some cases the lines between the Faces are blurry. These are not necessarily in order of priority.
1. Giving Time
This is time spent in the service of others. For me, this involves volunteer work with community development organizations and music groups, as well as being the occasional ear for someone in need (apparently, I am a good listener). For others, it might be church groups, PTA, etc. Parenting is a giant block of giving time, in my opinion.
2. Creative Time
There is an innate need for most humans to take ideas and manifest them. It may take the form of writing, music, building, creating art, or honing sports skills. It is something that creates personal satisfaction. This can also overlap with many of the other faces.
3. Selling Time
Most of us sell our time in one way or another to make a living, whether it’s a set number of hours weekly for a set salary, or a freelancer who gets paid by the hour or job.
4. Sharing Time
To me, Sharing Time is Giving Time that cuts both ways. We share ourselves with others and they share back. This can be time spent with family, gatherings of friends, or even a part of one of the other faces, such as collaborating on a project at work or while volunteering.
5. Nourishing Time
We need to eat, sleep, wash (hopefully!), exercise, meditate. We read, listen to music, enjoy art. All these things keep us healthy in body, mind and spirit.
6. Maintenance Time
This is sort of the outer version of Personal Time. The things around us, our homes, cars, possessions, etc., all need to be cared for, and that takes time.
7. Wasting Time
It may include watching TV, playing video games, mindless surfing. This isn’t necessarily bad. It provides some distraction from the more driven parts of life. “Down Time” some may call it. For me, being aware of how much time I spend wasting is a good barometer of how I am doing. More wasted time usually indicates an imbalance somewhere else.
