Let’s talk about time.The formal meaning of time is a plan, a schedule, or an arrangement when (something) should happen or be done. Alternatively, another description of time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events, in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole. The latter, is my favorite description because I see time as that “continued progress of existence” that never ends. There is no end in time, as we are all familiar with the infinite existence of time. After we die, time will continue to exist. At the times when we get hurt physically, mentally or emotionally, time in its own essence will continue to exist. In life, time is valuable and can change lives significantly if used thoughtfully. It is an expensive currency that many give sparingly and others in full abundance.
Time is something I see as within one’s control, to an extent that is. You will make time for what you want, and you will most likely not make time for the things you deem less important. If you had an important meeting to attend, or an important job interview you’ve waited months for, you’ll make every effort to make sure you’re in attendance to those events. You’ll make sure your schedule is clear for that particular day to make sure you don’t miss it. The anticipation over the months has led you there on that day, to attend and give it your all.
I wish people would stop with the “I’m too busy”, “I just didn’t have enough time”, or my favorite “it wasn’t the right time!” These flimsy excuses have no justification for showing others you’re giving them “your valuable time”. If I wanted to give you my time, I would offer my availability, and let you pick the day convenient to you to setup a meeting. I won’t sit and make you feel like my life is too busy to let you in, and this is where blossoming relationships don’t succeed because people fail to talk about time!
Time is a sign of respect, and many fail to realize that not giving someone your time could signal a sort of disregard. Not everyone thinks this way of course, but there are a good amount of people out there who feel like their time is equally valuable and should be treated with utmost respect and consideration. So, in relationships when someone says they’re “too busy” to call, email, text, etc, that is just an indirect way of saying, “I have no time for you” “You’re not my priority”. Unless you’re okay with that, you’ll take this the wrong way of course thinking that it must be something you said or did on your end. Talking about time between two people in a relationship is one of the healthiest ways to avoid unintended conflicts that may arise at stressful times. We all have periods of “busy-ness” when we are actually so engaged in life’s activities. We may have families to attend to, a demanding career, imperative academic priorities, and other events that could take our “time” away from others, however, it is much more important to be mindful of not leaving others in the dark.
Leaving others in the dark, coupled with being unavailable because of being “too busy” can signal disinterest, lack of communication, and indifference. These signals are dangerous areas to be in relationships because; it can breed contempt in various ways that may be detrimental to the likelihood of that relationship succeeding. There is so much to talk about with “time” but I hope it helps us understand the importance of not making people feel less important. Why burn bridges when you’re not done crossing, right?
Living Free 