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.