The Illusion Time

We start in this life unable to understand that our time is finite. We relax and fall into the prison of numbers. If there are grandparents who live to 80 or 90 years, and it is possible to reach 100, then 50 years must be half of my life. This thought never ceases to amaze me: the certainty with which we lie to ourselves and believe we can truly predict what will happen to us.

The path, our journey through life, does not change for us; we are the ones who have to learn to adapt to its curves. This path is unique to each of us, shaped by our experiences, choices, and circumstances. It is not a straight line, but a series of twists and turns that we must navigate with resilience and adaptability.

The Trap of Routine

Positivism and blindness prevent us from noticing that we float in space, mounted on a gas bubble attached to a rock that spins on its axis at an estimated speed of 27,000 kilometers per hour, among other stones. Thus, without the slightest control over the path ahead of us, we assume in the most dangerous way that "we have time," that tomorrow we will be able to do it, that tomorrow is a place in space and time to accomplish that task finally we have been putting off, that call that could change our life. Still, we always delay simply because we assume the time we have.

The Reality of Limited Time

The reality, however, is that time is an elusive and slippery resource that escapes through our fingers like water. Daily routines and obligations immerse us in an endless cycle, where days follow one another without us stopping to reflect on their actual value. We live trapped in the illusion that there will always be a tomorrow, one more opportunity, an additional day to achieve our dreams and fulfill our goals. And all this without even considering that this could be the last great moment of your life.

The Value of Each Moment

But life, with its unpredictability and fragility, constantly reminds us that time is a precious and limited resource. Every moment we let pass is a fragment of our existence that we can never recover. It's easy to fall into the trap of procrastination, thinking we still have time to do what matters, to be with our loved ones, to follow our passions, and to be happy.

Modern Society and Productivity

With its frenetic pace and obsession with productivity, modern society pushes us to prioritize the urgent over the important. We become slaves to the clock, chasing goals and meeting deadlines while neglecting the small things that truly give meaning to our lives. We forget to live in the present, to appreciate the here and now, and to value each moment as a unique and unrepeatable gift.

Breaking the Illusion

Breaking this illusion and becoming aware that our time is finite is crucial. We must learn to live intentionally, to choose wisely how we invest our days, and to prioritize what truly fills our souls. This could mean setting specific goals, practicing mindfulness, or maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It's not about living in fear of death but with the certainty that each day counts and every action we take leaves a mark on our existence. Thus, there is also the other side of the coin, where we don't do what we should because we believe everything should be fun when we need to find a balance between what we want and what we must do.

Reflections of Wisdom

"Time is the most valuable thing a person can spend," said Theophrastus. This quote resonates with the reality that every minute that passes is irrecoverable, and we must spend it wisely. But let's understand the meaning of "a minute"; space is filled with gold, platinum, and diamonds, but one thing that is so scarce that we find it nowhere else but on this planet is life, and you own one of those lives, and a conscious one at that. Imagine the "value" of that minute. Benjamin Franklin also reminded us that "time lost is never found again," emphasizing the importance of not letting our days slip away without a clear purpose.

The Search for Meaning

In our quest for meaning, we must remember Steve Jobs' words: "Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life." It is a call to be authentic, follow our passions, and live according to our values and dreams instead of conforming to external expectations. Finding the meaning of existence is a profound process that doesn't have to define our lifetime. Understanding that our life doesn't have to have a single meaning is crucial; otherwise, our path would be predetermined, and we wouldn't be able to change anything.

Living in the Present Moment

The philosophy of living in the present moment is not just a concept, it's a powerful tool. It's reflected in the well-known quote by Lao Tzu: "Time is a created thing. To say 'I don't have time' is like saying 'I don't want to'." It invites us to take control of our time, be conscious of our choices, set aside excuses, and fully embrace each day. If you have the desire, you find the way; if you don’t, you find excuses. That is why finding a path where your work life and desires walk hand in hand is not just essential, it's empowering.

Conclusion: The Currency of Life

At the end of the day, what really matters is not how much time we have but how we use it. The fantastic illusion of our time invites us to wake up, take the reins of our lives, and live fully and consciously. Only then can we transcend the illusion and find the true essence of our existence.

As poet Carl Sandburg aptly expressed: "Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have; only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you." Let these words guide us to value and make the most of every moment and live a life of purpose and meaning.

Author: Fabian Mesaglio.