Time Beyond the Clock

Dijon is a beautiful small city in northern France, offering much more than its renowned Dijon mustard. Rich in history and culture, the city invites exploration with attractions that span centuries. One of its highlights is the Owl Walk (Le Parcours de la Chouette), a self-guided trail that showcases 22 points of historical and architectural interest throughout the town.

Dijon is also home to one of the oldest hospitals in France, which was built in 1443 to serve the poor during a time when Europe was devastated by the Hundred Years' War and suffering immense hardship. Today, the hospital’s legacy lives on through its celebrated annual wine auction, which continues to fund many of its local charities, sustaining its long tradition of helping the community.

The cover photo features a statue I encountered in Dijon called Time Counter by Gloria Friedmann. Beneath the statue is an inscription in French that reads: "Here you can simultaneously read the local time of several cities around the world. But what matters is your own time, the time that is yours at this precise moment. Enjoy! And let’s not forget: it’s not time that passes, it’s us who pass through time." This profound message encourages us to reflect on how we experience time, reminding us that our lives are not shaped by time slipping away, but by how we choose to move through it.

Life unfolds in stages, each bringing its own opportunities and challenges. In youth, time feels limitless, brimming with possibilities and ambitions. It is a stage of exploration and growth, focused on shaping the future. We often rush toward dreams, building foundations for what’s ahead, but it's essential to pause and enjoy the present moment. The journey is as important as the destination, and learning to balance both adds depth and meaning to our experiences.

In midlife, the focus shifts from building to achieving. This period calls for a reassessment of priorities, a deepening of relationships, and a strengthening of self-awareness. Time may seem to accelerate, but it also brings wisdom. We learn to savor moments more deliberately, realizing that time offers fulfillment when lived mindfully. Midlife encourages us to appreciate the fruits of our labor while living with greater purpose and intentionality.

Retirement marks yet another distinct stage. Two years after my retirement, I’ve come to a better appreciation of what retirement truly means. It’s not merely an end to work but the beginning of a new, liberated relationship with time. As the world around us evolves, the only way to keep up — or even better, stay ahead — is to keep learning. I’ve since traveled to different parts of the world, immersing myself in diverse cultures, which has been both enriching and enlightening.

More importantly, retirement has given me time to reflect on my journey and discover a deeper sense of purpose. This period of reflection also led me to write a leadership book (The Odyssey of Self-Discovery: On Becoming A Leader ) that connected me with aspiring leaders worldwide in meaningful ways. Photography, a passion I’ve held for years, has now become an even deeper pursuit, allowing me to express the beauty I see and to better understand the world around us.

Each of us must find our own ways of living with meaning, but for me, that has meant dedicating time to advising and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. Helping others navigate their paths has become a central focus, as has sharing my insights and learnings through this newsletter with a community, now with 373K readers around the world. This stage of life is still about discovery and growth, but more importantly using time with intention—not just for personal fulfillment, but to make a positive and meaningful impact on others. Ultimately, as Time Counter reminds us, it’s not time that passes by—it’s we who pass through time, and the way we choose to live in each moment defines the course of our lives.

Photography Book Update:

As I mentioned previously here , I am working on two photography books about China and still expect to publish before the holiday. Each book will showcase 100 carefully selected black and white photos, accompanied by succinct descriptions that provide cultural context and narrative depth. These images aim to capture the essence of everyday life, revealing the nuanced interplay between rural frames of existence and the urban rhythms of progress across China's diverse landscapes. While urban China boasts some of the world's most developed metropolises, many rural villagers still grapple with poverty. The juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern progress paints a vivid portrait of contemporary Chinese society. Historical legacies harmonize with forward-looking dynamism, creating a tapestry of cultural richness and economic vitality.

Rural Frames: Photographic Explorations in China's Countryside: This book captures scenes from regions such as Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Guizhou, Zhejiang, and Hebei, showcasing the diverse lifestyles and traditions of rural China. The photos also include snapshots of many ethnic groups such as Tibetan, Mongolian, Miao, and Tong, offering glimpses into their unique cultural practices and daily lives.

Urban Rhythms: Photographic Explorations in China's Cities: This book explores bustling metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Xian, and Taiyuan, where modernity and tradition converge amidst skyscrapers, markets, and advanced infrastructure. These urban landscapes reflect China's rapid economic development, marked by innovation, technological advancements, and a vibrant middle class.

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