Time on My Hands: Do You Really Need It or Make It?
Do you need time?
“Time on My Hands: Do You Really Need It or Make It?”
As we stand on the precipice of each day, the question lingers in the quiet of early morning or the calm before bed: Do I need time, or do I simply need to use it better? Many of us find ourselves in a paradox, desiring “more time” while rarely evaluating how we manage what we already have. If time is indeed the currency of life, what value do we place on each moment, and how wisely do we spend it?
The Illusion of “Needing” Time
The first question worth examining is, do we truly “need” more time? It’s a common refrain: “If only I had more time, I would accomplish so much more.” Yet, this longing often reflects our aspirations rather than a scarcity of time itself. We’ve all experienced days where we feel entirely productive, fitting an astonishing array of tasks into 24 hours, while other days drift by without much impact.
Philosophers, sages, and scientists alike have examined this notion. The great poet William Wordsworth lamented that “The world is too much with us,” noting our tendency to spend too much energy in unfulfilling pursuits, forgetting the timeless beauty that lies in being rather than simply doing. This perspective prompts us to reconsider if it’s time we lack, or if it’s an alignment between our priorities and actions.
Making Time: A Matter of Priorities
The idea of “making time” feels slightly counterintuitive because we can’t generate more hours in a day. Yet, time management isn’t about altering the clock; it’s about setting priorities. Consider a school Principal who needs to balance administrative responsibilities with hands-on teaching and student interactions. Each task demands attention, yet the Principal finds time by deciding which tasks align with their ultimate goal: nurturing a supportive, well-rounded educational environment.
As a retired Principal, I’ve had the experience of being pulled in numerous directions at once. Yet, it was the priorities I set that dictated my calendar, not the clock. We all have the power to choose what fills our days. When we stop and reflect, we find that time is usually there; it just waits for us to recognise its value.
The Gift of Unhurried Moments
In today’s fast-paced world, a rare luxury is an unhurried moment. From hurried emails to quick greetings, the race against time seems endless. But what if we decided to pause? To savour a conversation without glancing at the clock, to spend a quiet hour with a grandchild without checking our phones, to sit in stillness without feeling guilty for “wasting” time?
Life presents us with these choices daily. A moment spent playing a melody on the harmonium, walking in a garden, or reading an enlightening book feels more meaningful than the seconds ticking away on a work deadline. In moments like these, we reclaim time for ourselves, discovering that time “well spent” is less about productivity and more about presence.
“Extra” Time: An Illusion?
The longing for “extra” time might just be our way of escaping responsibility. Think of those Saturday afternoons when you wish for an additional day in the weekend. But if Sunday were twice as long, would it really bring more joy? Or would we find ourselves caught up in the same routines, stretching tasks to fill the space available?
In this sense, time can be as malleable as we make it. The ancient Greek notion of kairos—the right, opportune moment—suggests that certain moments carry a weight and beauty of their own, existing outside the constraints of linear time. Embracing kairos means recognising and valuing those moments that offer personal growth, joy, or peace, regardless of how “productive” they may seem.
Time as a Companion, Not a Taskmaster
Reflecting on my years in education, music, and writing, time often felt like a dependable companion rather than a force to battle. It was there when I trained a choir, guided students, or spent evenings on my books. The clock didn’t control the experience; it enhanced it. Each second felt like an investment rather than a debit from some unseeable “time account.”
In the same way, as we age, we might think of time not as something to accumulate or preserve but as a friend who’s been with us through every milestone. Time has watched us grow, adapt, and ultimately become the people we are today.
Living in Your Own Tempo
Ultimately, the question “Do you need time?” isn’t so much about finding minutes or hours but about choosing how we respond to them. Do we fill our calendars with appointments and tasks? Or do we reserve moments for quiet reflection, family, music, or creative pursuits?
It’s not a lack of time that holds us back, but a lack of presence. Imagine waking each day with the resolve to live fully within the hours gifted to you, and end each day with no regrets about how those hours were spent. After all, time is not just a measurement; it’s a medium through which life expresses itself.
So, next time you catch yourself saying, “I need more time,” consider rephrasing. Ask yourself instead, “How can I make better use of the time I have?” In the end, living well is less about chasing hours and more about shaping them to fit your own tempo—one that reflects what truly matters.
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