If you read the headline in the voice of the rock band Chicago, we are kindred spirits. Their 1969 song “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” has been on my mind lately.
While my work life revolves heavily around the clock, I want my personal life to be less centered on the time and more on how I feel. Feeling like we answer to the clock 24/7 is exhausting.
So I was delighted yesterday when I realized I had no idea the time, nor did I care.
This feels like a sign of success to me. To be unaware, uninterested and blatantly disengaged from the clock means that we are so busy living life that we forget to note time passing as we do it.
When do you check the time most? When you are doing something you don’t enjoy, right? You check the clock at work, from the treadmill, during a boring meeting. In these situations you are likely monitoring the passing time and willing it to move more quickly. This isn’t the case when you’re having fun or satisfied with your current circumstances.
Yesterday was a standard Sunday at home beginning with CBS Sunday Morning followed by light chores that will make my life easier this week. I have written about this kind of day as a self care day and you can find that story here.
This was hardly a fun day but I was content.
Isn’t that what it’s all about? Being so content with our lives that we can’t imagine doing anything other than what’s that’s in front of us right now is a true gift.
Your post reminds me of the term “flow” – used to describe a state where one is so engrossed in activities, one is unaware of time and everything else. That’s a great state to be in. When I think of that song, “Does anybody really know what time it is?”, I think of life – and the fact that none of us know how much time we have left here on this planet. That’s the great thing about art – it’s open to our own personal and various interpretations. I think both of our interpretations are insightful!
Insightful, indeed!!
I tend to achieve that state of flow best on adventure day. If I’m exploring from the road or on the hiking trail I become so absorbed in my adventures that the passing time becomes irrelevant. It rarely happens at home and I was so grateful for the day!!
Contentment is indeed a beautiful gift – keep gifting to yourself!
You as well!!
I did immediately think of Chicago! When I’m engrossed in a project, time is irrelevant.
I knew you would !!
I love that song!!! My dad recently introduced it to me, and I’m in love… I know all the words, and I like to sing along to it as I dance around like Frank Sinatra or someone. 😛
It’s a great song from an amazing band! I’m so glad you like it too!