The concept of Time has taken on a whole new meaning during our current reality of social distancing, self-isolation and social media reliance.  The days of longing for coveted Time to stay at home and curl up with a good book or binge watch the latest Netflix series are long gone as our new reality is filled with those very days of reading, watching and waiting.  Waiting for a return ~ but a return to what?

In reflecting on the past number of weeks, it’s easy to rhyme off a list of those things that have been sacrificed as a result of the spread of this virus.  During each day, I undoubtedly still spend some of those precious 24 hours wishing that I could visit my family members, return to my school community, eat out in a restaurant, get my hair done, launch our boat or go to a show.  And yet there is a part of me that knows once those “gifts” are restored to the fabric of daily life, the concept of Time will also be restored to something that there isn’t enough of.

So, while those “gifts” are still on hold and thus creating a void, Time has shifted to fill that void with some wonderful unexpected outcomes.  Where once there didn’t seem to be enough hours in the day for the things that truly mattered, I know find myself embracing those opportunities.

Time to step away from my computer/iPad/iPhone screens and make lunch for the boys.  Time to take part in a drive by birthday celebration.  Time to drop off flowers and a card for a friend celebrating a birthday. Time to play weekly online games with family members. Time to reconnect with friends on social media. Time to pick up the phone and have a conversation instead of crafting and hitting the send button on yet another email. Time to go for walks and enjoy the daylight of a spring day. Time to actually appreciate how Mother Nature is ever so slowly, yet ever so intentionally awaking from her winter slumber and blooming a multiple of colours.  Time to connect with colleagues on a regular basis and get to know them beyond just what they’re planning for an upcoming staff meeting.  Staff to create videos of appreciation for others. And the list goes on…

If J.R.R. Tolkien is right and “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us” then I hope that the lessons that Time is teaching me now will continue to guide me in the right direction in the future.

Has your concept of Time shifted?

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