“Don’t waste time – it’s precious!” or “Time is passing and you’re doing nothing worthwhile!” How often have you been the recipient of this talk? If others have not said this to you, you may have soliloquised the same. Of course, time is precious because it is finite. We segue our way through life trying to find a balance between work and responsibilities at home, picturing ourselves escaping the routine and living the idyllic dream, travelling or maybe pursuing a nebulous idea sometime in the future.
But the term ‘waste of time’ is subjective. I love improving the interiors of my home, often only repositioning the furniture, changing the drapes and cushion covers, maybe buying a new lamp, adding a little greenery around… While this may be considered by many as wasted time, I believe the opposite. Not only do I get immense satisfaction from having a clean and pleasing home, but I am also gratified, and to be honest, much flattered by the admiration of family and friends.
Time is considered by most as productively spent only if it results in income. Although I do not wholly disagree with this double-dyed opinion, which is defended by its proponents who state that it takes money to be able to have the luxury of time to do as you please, I would plead more leniency towards oneself.
Draw a balance between spending time earning money and doing things which make you happy. It does not take money to share laughter with family and friends, read a good book, take a walk, etc.
