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Time or Money: which is more valuable to you?
This past week, I met with a new client looking for a home. After discussing her needs and wants, we reviewed her timeline and, of course, the financial aspects of the transaction. We discussed Time and Money.
Whether discussing real estate or advocating for patients with chronic illnesses, the topics of time and money are often common themes.
When working with clients considering a large financial decision, we talk a lot about money: the housing market, their budget, the equity in their home, down payments, interest rates, and financing options, to name a few.
We also talk about the best time to buy, sell or move.
When speaking with patients who are ill, we talk about time: how long they’ve been sick, how long it took to be diagnosed, and how much time they’ve lost due to illness.
We also talk about money: can they afford their treatment; has insurance covered their expenses; are they making ends meet?
Time and Money
We’d all like more of both.
They’re two of life’s most important needs.
How you view each of them may change how you live your life.
Benjamin Franklin, in an essay “Advice to a Young Tradesman” that appeared in George Fisher’s 1748 book, The American Instructor: or Young Man’s Best Companion, wrote:
“Remember that time is money.”
While I agree that time is money, I know time is much more than that.
How often do you think about time and money, and do you value both equally?
I’ve always been conscious of both. But let’s talk about time first.
I became more aware of the importance of time at an early age. When life takes an unexpected turn, you’re forced to reevaluate many aspects of your life you once took for granted.
Time takes on new meanings.
As I got older and my family members aged, I wished I had a magic wand that could freeze time in its tracks - allowing me to savor the moments that pass too quickly.
My son’s first steps and words
Summers during my childhood
Dinners and holidays with my grandparents and extended family
Vacations with my parents
All beautiful memories I wish lasted longer.
Since the ability to freeze time is not an option, it’s essential to learn to appreciate time for what it is.
A precious commodity that moves quickly.
Time is the one thing you can’t get back once it’s gone.
When my grandparents were in their 80s and 90s, I was well aware of how fortunate I was to have them in my life. I loved spending time with them, listening to the stories of their childhood and their many experiences from a time I knew little about. My paternal grandparents passed when I was young, making the time with my mother’s parents even more special.
I often regret never recording our conversations or capturing more moments on videotape. I miss hearing their voices and seeing their mannerisms. While I can recall many conversations in detail, time has a way of eroding certain memories.
My father was two weeks shy of his 89 birthday when he passed in October 2021. Most people would consider 88 years a life well lived. And while my father did live a good life, it wasn’t long enough for those left behind. We always want more time. I miss my father every day. I long to have another conversation, another dinner, another hug.
Time is a commodity that cannot be renewed.
It’s why I encourage you to enjoy each day, despite the ups and downs you may face or the uncertainties ahead.
Time does not stand still.
When my son was ill, we rarely left the house. When we did, it was for doctor’s appointments or treatments, traveling hours each way. We returned exhausted and emotionally drained. We passed the long days, months, and years by enjoying simple pleasures: playing card games, watching movies, doing puzzles, reading, and spending time with my parents.
I didn’t take anything for granted because I knew life could change instantly. It had happened once. I knew it could happen again.
I grew up in a loving, supportive home. When my son was born, I wanted to ensure he experienced the same. I told him how much he was loved, gave him frequent bear hugs, and always kissed him good night. I supported his interests and helped him find new ones. I wanted him to know how important he was to me and how thankful I was to be his mother. I always feared there wasn’t enough time to do it all.
Understanding how quickly time passes and the importance of savoring each moment helps change your perspective and how you live.
So often, we go through life without considering how we spend our time, why we spend time the way we do, or how we treat those we love.
It’s easy to take time for granted. It’s also common to take our loved ones for granted.
Unless you’ve experienced life-changing circumstances, you often forget that time is not a given.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Today, I ask you to think about time in a new way.
Consider how you’d spend time if you only had one day, month, or year to live.
What would you do?
Who would you spend your time with?
If you have never considered the importance of time, I hope you think about it now.
Make a list of the places you’d like to visit, the people you’d like to meet, and the accomplishments you’d like to achieve.
Consider what’s most important to you.
Prioritize the time you have and minimize regrets.
Talk with the loved ones in your life. Remind them how much they’re loved and appreciated. Celebrate today and every day for the gift that it is.
Lost time is gone forever.
Money
We’d all like more of it, but would you rather have more money or time?
The answer is different for everyone.
What’s enough for one person may be a fraction of what others need.
Of course, money is a basic necessity. But how much is enough to live a full, happy life? If your basic needs were met, would you want more time or more money?
Since the pandemic, the way we think about work has changed. Many have rebelled against the need to return to the workplace full-time. Trading time for money has become less desirable.
The rise of digital nomads and the ability to work from anywhere has given a new level of freedom to those that never experienced it before. It’s also afforded more time. Time to do the things you longed for instead of waiting until you retire.
Finding a new way to make a living, earn money, AND enjoy more free time is an ideal that many desire and some enjoy. Younger generations are considering their options before they make life decisions.
It’s understandable. Material possessions, including wealth, can be gained and lost. Money can be replaced. Time cannot.
Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, it’s possible to enjoy the time and the money you do have, even if it’s far less than you want.
How you think and feel about time and money often creates a foundation for your life. It directs many of the choices and decisions you make.
Time and money are both precious commodities - but which is more precious to you is for you to decide.
Remember that your mindset, as well as your thoughts and feelings, are at the root of your behaviors and actions.
How you think about something can and will affect the outcome. Whether you value more time or money, how you think and feel about both can be the difference in your ideal life.
I’m not suggesting positive thoughts will generate the money you need, but a positive mindset is the first step to changing what you need or want to address.
If you’re in a job or career that limits your ability to grow, consider what you may need to make a change. Do you need to educate yourself further, change careers, or start a side hustle (or two)?
If you think you’ll never have enough time or money, you may convince yourself of that fact, even if you have more than you’ll ever need.
Until next week, remember to laugh like a six-year-old and celebrate the change that is a part of life.
For those that enjoyed meeting Remy last week, here he is exploring his new domain.
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Why Soulful Sunday?
I began The Power of Change to explore the potential to transform your life in meaningful ways.
Being mindful of your life is the first step. It helps you focus on what’s important today and throughout the week.
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Beautifully written and right on the mark!