86,400 (2.0)

34 Replies

I originally wrote this nine years ago but my focus has changed in the ensuing time and I have, I think, improved it. I hope you enjoy.

 

I was once sent an e-mail that likened the 86,400 seconds in a 24-hour day to money. It went on to ask if you were given that amount of money every morning knowing that you would lose any you did not spend, would you endeavour to spend every cent.  Of course you would!  It attempts to remind us that we need to use every second of every day to its fullest.  That is so true, except . . . . I spend approximately 5 hours out of every 24 sleeping or 18,000 seconds (or $18.000).  Does that mean I have squandered that time?  No, I am recharging.

How much time do you spend preparing the food that fuels your body? Or any of the other activities that are vital in the running of said body. One works to afford the food to fuel the body as well as the clothes we wear and the roof over our head. We must also clean and exercise to maintain and… And then there are the activities for the mind which is part of the package. We need to stimulate, educate and entertain … I think it is a very costly activity to maintain one’s self. And I’m not talking about the frivolous, decorative activities. Just to simply maintain. When we get into the area of improvement. There is schooling and physical activities … Yep, there is a lot to do and none of it is squandering. I wonder how much I just spent writing this post. I probably shouldn’t add it up.

Now this brings up another problem.  How you speak and how you are understood.  I could say that I am not responsible for what you hear, only for what I say. But that is not quite accurate. I am a big believer that it is not how well you speak that is important but how well you are understood.  One may speak correctly and still be misunderstood.  Why?  The person or persons you are speaking to may not speak exactly the same way you do.  Their comprehension may be at a different place than yours.  For example – the word rug – it has different meanings depending on where you live.  In England a rug is a blanket. In Canada a rug is a carpet.  My point is that if you are going to chastise someone for squandering time then make sure it is the appropriate amount.  We all need some down time. And I am worth it!

 

34 thoughts on “86,400 (2.0)”

  2. Murphy’s Law

    You are definitely worth it my dear friend. I think for the most part, the majority of us would spend that “money” wisely and fairly. It is quite an accomplishment, I think, to maintain ourselves day in and day out, whether we’re young or old.

    You have done a spectacular self-maintenance job Pam. I applaud you.
    Ginger

    Liked by 2 people

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  3. Dale

    You only get five hours of sleep?
    I really do like that analogy of every second being worth one dollar. I wonder, if that were made true, how many people would change the way they spend it. One person’s squander is another’s well-spent.
    And yes, language is important in wanting to be understood. Communication is key. And you are worth it.

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. John Hric

    Yes, yes, and yes. Though words are habits. And stepping outside those habits is difficult. A small example ‘down time.’ Having read your post I know exactly what you meant. In another situation ‘down time’ might not come across as physical, mental, and spiritual nurture. It makes me wonder where we would be if words had been more carefully chosen. If John Adams had taken Abigail’s sound advice and instead of ‘all men’ insisted ‘all women and all men’. Perhaps things would look a little different today. Perhaps there would be a large difference if the words were more precise. Once said, once written they do seem more cumbersome to change…

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  7. Mark Lanesbury

    Interesting point Pam, we are ever spending so much in all we do. But I think, like any diamond, those little bits that we do just keep polishing it to a shine. You are shining well dear lady, no crypto currency in you, and beautiful all the more for it 😀❤️🙏🏽

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. John W. Howell

    I was once a consultant and would mostly be paid at an hourly rate. There were billable hours, and I tried like the dickens to get at least eight a day. This meant vacations were few since, by definition, they were non-billable. You can guess what happened. Burnout came like an erupting volcano. I finally set up a vacation fund which was funded by a percent of revenue where I paid myself to take time off. Happy camper from then on out. Super post, Pam.

    Liked by 3 people

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  9. rangewriter

    Good points, all! Every activity you described is part of living life to its fullest. I don’t think making use of every second should mean running yourself to death. Staring at the sky and watching the clouds is as important as climbing a mountain. Maybe more so.

    And the idea of “spending it all” makes me nervous. That seems to be the attitude too many people have with regards to natural resources. We’ve got plenty of water, I’m gonna grow inappropriate trees because I like them. I’m not gonna turn off the spigot every time I brush my teeth or shampoo my hair. I’m gonna turn up the heat or turn down the air conditioning cuz I want to be comfortable. Ugh.

    And the finest point of communicating is conveying what’s in your mind to the minds of your readers, which, as you so rightly point out, entails deep consideration for how another person’s mind registers thoughts and ideas and words and word order. The beauty of technical communication. (when it’s done right.)

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. bikerchick57

    Only five hours of sleep, Pam? I see the benefit in longer days, but I would be in a fog. Need my eight hours of required sleep! I probably don’t utilize my mind or body as much in winter, but perhaps taking some “hermit time” to rest is just as good. It gets me geared up for spring and warmer weather.

    Liked by 1 person

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