How do you think about time?
We’ve had lots of conversation about time lately, both as a team, and in the parking lot while walking from one building to the next. I learned a few new realities about how people think about the concept of time (man made, after all) and how I view time in general.
I often find myself asking for clarification when others talk about time.
When someone says “let’s move that event up a bit…” <– what does that mean to you? I’m often not sure, and so I’ll ask “do you mean earlier or later?”
I think of time as a linear event, generally. And time travels away from me – where I am at that moment – and so if you say “move up” I think “away” and “later”. Some folks mean “towards, as in earlier”… you can tell it gets real complicated. And all we’re talking about is time – something that actually doesn’t exist outside of our own brain. What!?
Perception of time, too, is different for all of us. “I’ll be there in 5 minutes...” or “I’ll see you later…” all have very different meanings from you to me.
How old are your parents? Mine are in their 70s.
They likely have 10 good years left. How often will I see them in the next 10 years? Maybe 2 times per year for my mom, who lives in Columbus. 2 x 10 = 20 times. How will I spend the next 20 times with her?
Dad lives in Sweden, and I haven’t seen him in person for a few years… When will it be the last time? When time becomes precious, do we spend it differently?
-Andreas