Our Time = Our Life
Dr Mark Williams
Creating a Brain Friendly World ??| International Keynote Speaker ??| Award Winning Neuroscientist ??| Best Selling Author ??| Co-Director of Brain Camp ??| Director of Rethinking the Brain ??
I was watching Vampire Diaries with my daughter last night and the mother of one of the characters was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The daughter was concerned to make her mum’s final days as comfortable and meaningful as possible, even worrying about what would be an appropriate and meaningful book for her to read as her last. This portrayal of a very sad situation made me think about the fact that our time is actually our life. The two are really synonymous.
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When we are struck by some sort of tragedy such as being given only a short period of time to live, we want to make every second count. But even when we don’t know when we are going to “fall off the perch”, every second should still count. Because adding up every second is the culmination of your life. We probably all know this, but I wonder, do we spend enough time really putting that into perspective?
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As I continued to watch the show, the storyline struck a chord deep within me. It reminded me of the fragile nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment
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In the hustle and bustle of daily routines, it's easy to lose sight of the value of each passing second. We get caught up in our responsibilities, obligations, and distractions, often forgetting to pause and reflect on the true essence of our existence. We become complacent, assuming there will always be tomorrow to pursue our dreams, reconcile with loved ones, or simply enjoy the beauty of life.
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But the truth is, every second that ticks away is an irreplaceable fragment of our existence. It's not merely a measure of time; it's a measure of life itself. Each second forms a small piece of the grand tapestry that is our journey, shaping our experiences, memories, and relationships.
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When confronted with the harsh reality of mortality, the characters in the show understood the urgency of making every remaining second count. They sought to create lasting memories, to express their love and gratitude, and to leave a meaningful impact on the lives of those around them. Their actions were a poignant reminder that we too should strive to infuse purpose into every second we're blessed with.
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We needn't wait for a tragic event or a terminal diagnosis to appreciate the significance of time. The present moment, however ordinary it may seem, is an opportunity to savour, to connect, and to make a difference. By recognizing that our time is our life, we can bring a heightened awareness to the choices we make and the priorities we set.
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Perhaps it's time to re-evaluate how we spend our days, to align our actions with our values and passions. It's about finding the courage to pursue our dreams, to prioritise our relationships
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Let us not underestimate the power of a single second. For in the grand tapestry of existence, it is the accumulation of these moments that defines who we are and how we have lived. May we all strive to make every second count, for our time is our life, and our life is made up of the moments we choose to embrace.
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Oh, and maybe you are now wondering whether sitting watching Vampire Diaries is a good use of my life! I must admit I do enjoy the complete absurdity of a world with vampires, witches and werewolves, but more than that, it is a great opportunity for me to spend time with my teenage daughter. We laugh about the inconsistent story lines, we chat about the decisions the characters make and there are often a bunch of moral dilemmas that need to be broken down. And I can also argue that I’m working! I regularly present to teens and being able to discuss with some authority the events that have occurred in shows that they actually watch can be great when trying to make a connection.
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What are you doing with your moments?
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A person’s most important asset is their brain!
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Interested in becoming a Brain Healthy School or a Brain Healthy Business? Email me at [email protected] to discuss ways we can help you improve learning, innovation, productivity, and mental health. A person’s most important asset is their brain!
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Check out my new book “The Connected Species: How the Evolution of the Human Brain Can Save the World” see link below.
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Counsellor (MACA) / Writer / Educator
1 年Yep. Each moment does count, Mark. However, one of the pitfalls is to become obsessed with "doing" something with every moment, so we can "make memories" or tick off another bucket list item. You beautifully highlighted the value of those moments with your daughter when 'living' happened and the culmination of those moments taught you both something when you took the time to be reflective together. What is death if it isn't the supreme archetypal "moment", no matter how it happens, or how we choose it? Perhaps turning our senses off more often will put us in touch with the story of our own life, a journey of moments, pearls strung together with the threads of creation. Thanks for your insights and willingness and courage to share them.
Helping tell your story with clarity and impact. ?? Business Book Editing and Coaching ?? Copy Editing ?? Ghostwriting ?? Business and Governance Writing ?? Making you look good in words. ?? [email protected]
1 年Powerful thoughts, Mark. Interesting what prompts some of our more profound ideas, isn’t it? Who’da thought the Vampire Diaries carried such a rich subtext?
Founder, Science is Elemental, dedicated to improving science education for all kids
1 年Mark, thanks for these thoughts. I made the decision to change my career because I wanted to use my talents for something that would make more of a difference. However,I think there may be a balance between making every second count, and not stressing over making every second count. There's probably a better way to say that.
Sustainable Leadership drives high performance, resilient organisations and benefits business, the people and the planet.
1 年So true, Mark.??After wasting 18 months of my limited lifespan, applying for jobs in a market where “ageism” is rife, I was fortunate to “find my purpose” as Client Relations Manager with the Institute of Sustainable Leadership, co-founded by Dr Gayle Avery and Dr Harry Bergsteiner, delivering high-quality education, consulting and other services to help organisations enjoy greater success and resilience.? I?completed the course, Foundations in Sustainable Leadership and I am a Certified Practitioner in Sustainable Leadership and about to qualify as a Licensed Practitioner in Sustainable Leadership, enabling me to consult in the field.?
Working on something that started as a book idea.
1 年Mark, thanks. In this context, what are your thoughts on AI?