How do we spend our time?

We recently celebrated our oldest child’s 26^th birthday. Where did the time go? My birthday is soon approaching and another year filled with adventures will have passed. However, I am much more sentimental when the kids grow another year older than when I do. I seem to mark my life based upon milestones in the lives of my children. It is the mother in me. Do you do that?

I was 26 when I was pregnant with Alex, which is the same age as she is today, How come I feel as young as I did when she was born? I know perfectly well that I am not 26 years old, but I sure feel like it on most days. The proverbial “they” say that age is a state of mind and I usually agree with that statement. We all cannot escape aging, but we certainly can choose how much we enjoy the process.

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Think about that statement carefully. The older we get the more likely most of us baby boomers get set in our ways and life goes on smoothly without too much change. Since I began Adventures of Empty Nesters, I have gained a laser-like focus upon the activities of other Empty Nesters. What are they doing with their time? Life is so precious shouldn’t we communicate with each other even more? Are we missing clues to solve the Empty Nester puzzle? How are we spending our time?

In these last few months, I have learned about places to visit, about special restaurants, books, and exercises, even what it feels like to be in a great white shark cage. Just imagine what else we can learn when more of us are sharing with each other?

Time is a precarious notion. Think of how often you use the word time: “It’s about time”, “It’s time to go”, “How much time do I have”, “Do you have time”?

• One day at a time
• As time goes by
• Time flies
• Wasting time
• It takes time
• Time heals all wounds
• Spend time
• Never enough time
• Time is money
• Special time…

The time references are endless, but it proves my point. Time is such a valuable resource; we talk about it all the time! Do we always utilize it in the best way possible? Should we invest all of that time viewing Facebook? Instead, should we be calling a friend to check in? Yes, it is a better idea. Quality time (oh there’s another one) is just that: Quality time, spend it wisely. Should we “go for it” more often? Should we investigate a new idea? Seek a new…ADVENTURE? Yes, I think it’s time to do that too.

The older I get, the more I seem to value time. Loved ones get sick, they pass away and then there is no more time. I know it’s a little morbid, but it is a reality. Carpe Diem, “seize the day” – it may sound a bit cliché but I don’t believe that for a second.

How are you spending your precious time?