This isn’t the apocalypse. The world is not ending, the sky isn’t falling and time isn’t standing still. It’s actually just the opposite – perpetual. This is just one day, one moment in the larger flow of the timeline. In fact, it’s probably already 12:13pm. So what’s the big deal? Some people thought today would mean everything, while others are barely even paying attention. The numerical symmetry of this particular day does make it special – after all, it won’t happen again for another hundred years. But that’s not what I believe is most important. Because of the collective awareness of this unique calendrical moment, there is an opportunity to highlight the importance of moments in general. Remember, while 12/12/12 will return in a century from now, this particular moment will *never* come back again.
Time moves fast; life moves fast. I have never heard a parent say that their child has grown slowly. It doesn’t matter if they are a month old, a year old, graduating from school, getting married or having children of their own, it’s always happening fast. Whether it’s a week’s vacation, a planned single day event like a wedding, four years of college or a lifetime, time is ahead of us, upon us and then leaves us – all in the blink of an eye.
Every day, every minute, every second is a chance to make a choice to do something different. We can’t sit around waiting for things to happen, wallowing in what we lack. We can’t fall victim to the belief that certain kinds of happiness are for other people. Seize the moment, fiercely. Grab life firmly and pursue that which you want. If there’s a bad habit that you want to put down, stop. If there is a hobby you have always wanted to try, start. Practice forgiveness and compassion, not only for others but for yourself. Our hearts are like our arms with bags of groceries – we can only hold so much. If you insist on carrying anger and resentment like spoiled milk, you can’t possibly have room to hold the fresh baked bread of joy and serenity. Let it all go and be grateful for the gifts you’ve been given.
Wake up. This moment is here now but it will soon be gone. Other than health, time is our greatest asset. Spend it wisely.
Wishing you a lifetime of shared, special moments – and the presence of mind to realize what you have.
