As people move on through the seasons of their lives they start to do more serious thinking about what is really important in life.
Opinions vary. Some think health is paramount. Others regard having enough money to provide for themselves as most important. One 98-year-old neighbour says without any hesitation that time is the most vital thing in life. He’s feeling pretty smug, as his drivers license was just renewed for five years! And yes, he does still have his own car to drive. At 98, Ken is still doing intricate woodwork in his little suite.
Age can be your time
Today I’m grieving the death of one of my greatest examples of life ever. Jane Goodall aged 91 died at the very beginning of this October month. I’ve always read about her chimpanzee studies with great admiration.
I’ve loved her quiet, thoughtful personality. Nothing stopped her from expressing her views on the habits of men, on cruelty, and on the wonderment she found each day, no matter what happened.
I will miss you, Jane.
More self discovery
Yesterday I went to my beloved daughter’s home to plant the few remaining saffron corms I’d carefully sorted, graded and packed in a few envelopes when time for my moving day came Our gardening beds here at the retirement centre had to be removed this year in order to repair and renovate the building itself. Suddenly this presented an opportunity to share soil with my ever patient family.
Time and healing are connected
It was a moment of clarity as I worked on this humble task. Gardening as I’ve always known it has gone. But it’s usually possible to modify what has left your life, and continue on in a changed but still satisfying way. It doesn’t miraculously change, but growing micro greens on a small balcony just might work. And it’s a whole lot easier to focus on that connection to the earth than dealing with a large garden at this season of my life.
Time always brings change
Over last weekend I drove past not one, but two large playing fields. There was not a soul to be seen. The weather was gorgeous, not a cloud in the blue sky. But where were the children? Where were parents enjoying play with their young ones?
Time changes rapidly
Technology has brought about incredibly amazing changes in all our lives. There seems no end to it, or the speed that propels it forward. It is part of all of us, and yet we regard it as something separate. Many of us have memories of trades and skills that have been forgotten and overtaken by the sheer speed needed by new technology. I wonder how many reading this can relate to this doctor describing how his work life has changed.
I wrote about my dear young family doctor also some time ago. I always thought of her as Doctor Lovely. The very first time I met her she told me she would always be late. She regarded actively listening to her patients as her greatest medical tool.
Over time in her practice I saw stress changes in her. It seemed that her practice owners demanded the system that is described in the video above. Basically, cut down your time with your patients. She looked at me sadly one day as she said “I can’t doctor like this. I have decided to leave.”
She left to go to university and study archeology in depth. You can’t get much more aware of time than that, I suppose. With her departure we all lost one of the most valuable gifts we can give each other: listening time. And her bosses never supported that, because in their minds time was money.
I’ve thought many times about my friend Ken’s definite statement that time is the most important thing in life. As I’ve spent time thinking and writing about it here, he presents a powerful argument, short and sweet.
Do you think time is more important than, say, health? Wealth? How do you use your time? I’d love to read your comments below!
Transition
Fall weather is approaching. Only perennial plants will continue to survive outside. Shorter days, and tree leaves starting to colour and fall.
Inside my cabbages in their planter continue to thrive and develop near their sunny window.
Looks like I’m stuck with them inside now, as those exterior renovations and painting have taken a long gardening time. Nevertheless I’m enjoying their daily development. I’ve never really studied cabbage development before. Just enjoyed the finished article!
An unexpected surprise is to quite suddenly enjoy beautiful perfumed Hoya flowers from one of my collection. I feel so lucky, waking up to that gentle fragrance.
Image via VickiW
Thank you!
As always, your visits are much appreciated and wishing the best to you and your gardens, wherever they may be!
Remember, a pot can easily become a treasured garden. It all depends on what you decide to grow in it!
VickiW
V,
ReplyDeleteExcellent post with lots to consider! We can't get back a single second to re-live and as I've matured, I've learned to appreciate and make the most of every moment I can.
Also, I too, was saddened about the passing of Jane Goodall. Very surprising that many aren't familiar with her or her work. That's a shame. She as an extraordinary woman.