Key words and phrases:
engaged in: busy doing something
time up loose end: to finish tasks that have not been completed
bustling: busy, full of activity
subjective: based on personal opinion rather than fact
be at a standstill: not moving
drags on: persists, lingers
perspective: point of view
stimulate: encourage or arouse interest or enthusiasm in
There is one expression that I have heard over and over again in the past few weeks. The expression originated from the Latin phrase “Tempus Fugit” and is related to how each of us perceives time. Can you guess which expression I am referring to? It is “Time flies,” or its longer version, “Time flies when you're having fun.” This refers to the feeling that time appears to pass more quickly when engaged in something enjoyable. Perhaps it’s used more these days as another year comes to an end.
So why do we feel time differently at this time of year? Is it because we are busy tying up loose ends before the last day of work? Or maybe because we’re bustling with year-end events, shopping for Christmas or booking a trip to see family. Psychologists say the real reason is related to learning new things and how memory works. Whatever the reason, is it good when times seems to move so fast? A subjective question, indeed.
Perhaps the easiest way to answer the question is to look at the alternative, the occasions at which
time appears to move very slowly. Personally, I recall my high school biology class when the clock seemed to be at a standstill. Or how about being stuck in a meeting that you feel is unproductive; time just drags on and on. It seems that when it comes to time, it is either too fast or too slow; rarely just right.
Let’s look at it from a positive perspective. Time flying by seems to indicate that we are being stimulated by the things that are happening around us, and, therefore, we do not have time to look at the clock? Working on projects and meeting people means that we are engaged with others and being part of something bigger than ourselves.
So, as time seems to pass faster and faster while we head towards the end of the year, remember that it is that way because we have purpose in life…and that is surely a good thing.
Wishing you health and happiness, always.
Mark Tofflemire
Tailor Made Inc.