What Really Matters...Time

There is only one thing in this world that is far more valuable and precious than anything money can buy, and it can’t be bought. That is time. Time is the only thing we can give that cannot be given back. It cannot be expanded, increased or revisited. Every moment is invaluable and often under appreciated.

In all of my relationship and dating experience, there is only one thing I have truly craved and valued from anyone, their time. The moments they gave to me. Those are the moments I think of, reminisce about, treasure, and yearn for. Not money, power, gifts, or any other item that can be purchased, given, shared or acquired. 

It’s funny how little we take time into consideration when we have none. How often we get swept up in the commotion that is our lives. More so, how we allow and enable ourselves to be robbed of precious moments in life. The moments we can give to those who matter. Instead, we give them away without thought of care. 

In usual form, I found an opportunity to escape for a week in the mountains. After just a few days, I find my perspective and gratitude for life and time restored. My understanding and sensitivity of the fine balance in life renewed. The chance to let go of the cares of the life that runs me, and enjoy each and every moment today. To live and fall in love with every moment gifted to my life. 

Upon arriving in Lake Louise on Saturday, I felt the wonder and awe of the little girl inside me. I couldn’t help but squeal at the sight of the mountains before me. We raced to our room only to be met by a view so spectacular it took my breath away. We’d been spoiled with a room fit for royalty. We were greeted with a beautiful cheese and fruit platter and bottle of champagne, a personalized note to welcome us, and encourage us to celebrate our time together in this magical place. 

Still reeling from the euphoria, we set out to explore. We rented ice skates and set out for the frozen lake. We laughed like children as we took our first glides on unsteady feet, recounting the many memories of skating disasters. I felt as free as I’d felt as a little girl on the pond down the street from my house. Nothing beyond the lake existed for that moment, I was in heaven. Just like children, the cold that stung our faces and thighs was but a pesky voice in the background.

Refreshed and warmed up, we made our way to the most beautiful dining room. We were seated by a 20 foot window overlooking the moonlit lake in one of Lake Louise’s finest Restaurants, the Fairview Dining Room. The food and service were impeccable. Allowing us to simply enjoy our time together.We recounted the many lessons of our lives, the experiences, the memories, and everything that mattered. We talked about the relationships that had meant so much in our lives at one time, and yet how they had been the barrier between us and the way we truly wanted to live our moments. It all made sense why they were no longer meant for us.

It all came down to one thing… time. None of it would have been possible without time. The things we spoke of were not related to money or status. But to precious moments, that would forever serve as benchmarks along our journey. As I looked back out at the mountains,I pondered the miracle of their existence, how many hundreds of years it had taken for them to form, and all the moments they had served in the lives of someone. How many memories had been made among the mountains at Lake Louise. 

Perhaps some things are just better for us not to figure out. Instead, I should be more cognizant of the way I choose to spend each precious moment.