Making the most of your time

I used to believe that to make the most of my life, every moment needed to be productive. My days were a constant rush of tasks, goals, and self-improvement activities. Free time was just another opportunity to get ahead—when others slept, I worked.

But as the years passed, I began to see things differently. I realized that time isn't just a resource to be maximized; it's the very fabric of our lives.

The tapestry of time

I remember a lazy Sunday afternoon when I decided to do nothing. At first, it felt wrong, almost rebellious, and I felt guilty because I wasn't being productive. But as I lay on the couch, letting my mind wander, I felt a sense of peace I hadn't experienced in years. I told myself then, " What have I been doing all this time?"

That experience led me to think that there is more to life than just being productive. Time can be:

• Restful: allowing our minds and bodies to recharge
• Playful: bringing joy and laughter into our lives
• Contemplative: giving space for reflection and personal growth
• Creative: nurturing our imagination and artistic expression
• Connective: strengthening bonds with loved ones

Then there was the evening I spent playing board games with old friends. We laughed until our sides hurt, reliving old memories and creating new ones. In those moments of playful time, I felt more alive than I had in months of relentless productivity.

Perhaps the most profound shift came when I decided to learn how to write and draw during the pandemic. Hence, The Tiny Wisdom was born. This creative time wasn't about being good; it was about expressing myself and seeing the world in a new way. This was never about being "productive," The Tiny Wisdom has always been and always will be my creative output.

Lessons learned

As I wove these different threads of time into my life, I noticed something changing. My days felt richer and more balanced. Yes, I was still productive, but productivity had become just one colour in a vibrant tapestry.

Now, when I look at how I spend my time, I no longer see just tasks and goals. I see opportunities for rest, play, reflection, creation, and connection.

I see a life that's not just lived but experienced in all its fullness. A meaningful life.

Time, I've learned, is not just money. It's not just productivity. Time is life itself, in all its beautiful, messy complexity. And the way we choose to spend it shapes the very essence of who we are.

How are you going to spend your time today?

I hope you find this insightful. Remember:

It's not going to be easy,
But it's not impossible.

Your friend,
Brian.