Oh boy, after my previous post I’m even further from the answer…

It seems that time is such a complex, almost philosophical concept.

Do you know about the Diomede Islands? They’re less than 4 kilometres apart, but have a 21 hours time difference.

How weird is that? You can see the one island from the other… as if glaring into the future or past. Depending on which side you stand.

Since my husband’s procedure we were REALLY taking it slow. My physical activity took a huge dip. Although it felt as if we’ve hit an imaginary pause button, time didn’t stand still. A lesson in itself about our (often bad) habit of cramming our days full with activities. Scared that we are wasting valuable time.

It turned out that being forced to pause is actually rewarding. Initially it’s hard, but as time goes on you get (almost) used to it. You need to work with what you got (and where you’re at).

Perhaps this is what we can learn from the Diomede islands… Even if the future or the past is only a thought away, it’s not going to change where you are at this moment. Life goes on – as it always does.

If you are dealt a difficult hand, even if it’s temporary, obsessing about the past or wishing for the future is not going to add any value. It will just make you miserable and let you miss out on the small moments of joy presented to you continuously. Even if those moments are just an opportunity to enjoy the pause that was given to you.

Does this relate to Ma? I really don’t know. I know we’ve paused and are living in the moment – and learned to be content with a less busy lifestyle. It may be temporary, but it made me think…