TIME TICKS. Things to do. Places to go. Appointments to keep. People to see. Conversations to have. Books to read. And for me, also, stories to write, deadlines to meet. Tick. Tick. Tick.
As I age, I feel more cognizant of time and the need to use it in the best possible way. The need to balance work and leisure. The need to spend more time with my core family. The need to use my talents in a positive way, in a way that makes a difference. The need to be there for, and serve, others. Tick. Tick. Tick.
We can’t stop time and aging. But we can manage how we use our time. I’m of the age where there’s significantly less time ahead of me than behind, although none of us knows the number of our days on this earth. Tick. Tick. Tick.
I hope we can all use our time to show compassion and empathy for others. Be kind. Be that person who listens rather than talks. Be that person who smiles, who hugs, who holds a door open. Be that person who sends an encouraging text or note. Be that person who reaches out to someone who is hurting, grieving, in need and do whatever you can to uplift and help. Tick. Tick. Tick.
Think before you speak or write, because words matter. Words can build relationships or words can destroy them. In a time when vitriol runs rampant, pause before letting words fly across a keyboard or from your mouth. I expect we all hold regrets for words we’ve written or spoken. Use self-control. Ask like you care. Time ticks. Let’s use our time in a way that embraces goodness and kindness, love and compassion. Tick. Tick. Tick.
WHAT WOULD YOU like to add to this conversation about the use of time?
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
this is all so true, Audrey, and with age and the passage of time, I’ve also come more acutely aware of the importance of each moment. time in smaller pieces if you will. It’s moved from years, to months, to days, to hours, to minutes, to moments for me. and I have learned to hold the special moments each day dear, for they are truly the jewels, the treasures I hold within and remember. I really love your fridge quote because so many people forget to do that and it does make a huge difference.
I think you’re right in that, as we age, we focus more on the moments rather than looking out so far ahead.
I’ve had those words on my fridge for many years. Thank you for appreciating them and their importance to practice.
Time is precious. And going by faster and faster as I get older. It’s good to make the most of it, however, balance is a key I think.
“Balance” is really a good word to remember.
Agree one hundred percent.
🙂
Grandbabies seem to really accentuate how fast time goes. One minute your holding that sweet bundle in your arms and the next their half-grown. And those sweet grandbabies deserve a future filled with kindness, love, and compassion.💞
I agree with everything in your comment. We see our grandkids changing and growing before our eyes. And I sometimes think, I may not be here when they graduate, get married, etc. I was older when I became a mom as were my daughters.
Very true. Time is a precious commodity to me and I really do try to make each moment count and do things that matter. I know you do the same.
We need to make each moment count for sure.