Time is our most valuable commodity

In a world where everything is automated and instantaneous, we often still run out of time for the things around us that matter most. We have become so used to having everything we want and need at our fingertips, we forget the days when it wasn’t — so much so that we often take the most important things for granted.

I remember a time when I had to leave my house with nothing on me but my purse and the hope that I would make it to my destination. There were no cell phones or Google Maps. There was a time when I was forced to listen to the screech and hiss of dial-up internet — oh, the anticipation as the computer connected.

There was a time I once drank water from the tap, sometimes even from the water hose (gasp). I can vividly remember saying bottled water is stupid — no one is going to pay for that. (Ha, showed me) I remember a time when I used to have to be home to watch my favorite television show at 9/8 Central on Thursday night and bathroom breaks came during commercial times.

There was a time I would have to drive to the bank and wait in line to deposit a check that can now be deposited remotely from my phone in two minutes. I used to have to do all my own shopping. Now, when I need groceries, if I don’t feel like going into the store, I have the option of having someone else do it for me and then load them into my car.

I have to ask myself, with all these things designed to save us time and effort — is it? Are these newly found comforts enhancing our lives, adding time to our clocks? Or could it be the opposite? Are we using the extra time to connect or to slow down?

I am aware society as a whole is living on the go. Most of us are undeniably busy and often stretched thin. Therefore, I am in no way downing these conveniences, I use them myself. I am saying, however, time is our most valuable commodity.

Slow down today, take time to smell the proverbial flowers, hug another human being, ask someone how their day is — and listen. You may have to get out of your car or even your comfort zone, but it will be worth the effort.

We are all in a hurry, but as they say, life is a journey, not a destination.

Misty DeJournett is a staff writer at the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at mdejournett@darnews.com.