Time: What’s It All About Anyway

Lately I keep asking the question “What’s it all about?” I find the older I get the less I know. The conversations I am having with my girlfriends these days are usually about what does it all mean? It doesn’t seem that long ago that all we talked about were boys and whether or not they liked us. Now we talk about who is sick, what illness they have and who just died. I do my best to stay positive and enthusiastic, but I must admit this particular time in life challenges me tremendously.

A woman I met recently said in a matter of fact way, “What’s the big deal? You’re just going to get old and die.” Truer words have never been spoken! I can’t get upset with someone for speaking the truth. In fact her comment had a big impact on me and provided me with some perspective. Being so matter of fact takes away the pressure to think that everything is so important. It allows me to focus on what I truly value right now—being in the moment, love, friendship, good work, making a contribution to another person’s well being, spreading joy and staying grateful.

I keep asking the question and occasionally I get answers. I met a woman at the gym the other day and she commented about my sparkly glasses and hot pink coat. I thanked her and told her they made people smile. She said “That’s what its all about!” I laughed and told her I’d been pondering that question for weeks and appreciated her wisdom. I could tell she was about ten years older than me and asked her what topics she was discussing with her girlfriends. She said, “I’m talking about the same things you’re talking about—staying in the present moment, not being afraid, knowing you’re not in control, grabbing joy wherever you can, sharing love and friendship, doing meaningful work, and taking good care of yourself by eating well and exercising.” Then she said, “The difference is at my age you HAVE to do these things as there really is very little time for anything else. It all becomes more urgent.”

Last week, I was waiting at a hostess stand in a San Francisco restaurant and asked for a table outside by the water. She smiled and said, “One just opened up. Timing is what it’s all about.” I giggled as I walked behind her to be seated.

Maybe the children’s song had it right: “You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around. That’s what it all about!” But not before you put your WHOLE self in.

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