The Hourglass: A Metaphor for Life

Life can be best understood through the lens of an hourglass. When you flip the glass over, time starts ticking away, and new sand doesn't reenter to give us extra hours, minutes, or seconds—it simply depletes. The sand seems to move so slowly that we often believe we have more time than we actually do. However, little do we know that it steadily and unforgivingly slips away. While new sand doesn't go into the hourglass, bumps and shakes can quickly deplete what remains. These bumps and shakes represent the choices we make that affect our overall health—stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, and drug use. It is crucial for us to be mindful of how we spend our time here on earth because every moment spent is a transaction—how you spend your time determines what you get in return.

Breaking Free from Routine

Many individuals find themselves stuck in routines they no longer desire—a job they don't want to work or a relationship they no longer wish to be in—while the hourglass steadily dispenses its sand. It may sound perplexing why people continue spending their time on things that no longer bring them joy or fulfillment; however, falling into routine is easy and comfortable because it involves doing familiar things. Unfortunately, this level of routine creates a cloud of fear that prevents us from taking leaps towards spending our time elsewhere.

Embracing Risk

Consider all the talented artists out there—the singers, painters, rappers, dancers—who possess undiscovered potential because their time is spent on other pursuits that don't necessarily allow their creativity to flourish fully. Many artists would likely tell you that pursuing their artistry won't pay immediate bills or meet basic needs like food and shelter; thus they place their passions on hold with hopes that there will still be enough sand left in their hourglass to pursue their dreams. How you spend your time is indeed a gamble, and those who embrace risk and take the leap are often the ones who succeed. I am reminded of a scene from one of my favorite Batman movies, The Dark Knight Rises, where Bruce Wayne is urged to take a leap of freedom without the safety rope attached to his body. Despite physical preparation, fear holds him back mentally. Similarly, many of us fear taking that leap without any guarantees. We don't want to fall—no one does—but those who are prepared for failure are the true risk-takers. Bet on yourself.

Intentional Time Management

 In my own life, I consider myself very busy; however, if you were to spend a full day with me, you might find my days surprisingly calm and organized. As a husband, father, professor, and business owner with numerous demands on my time from various sources such as text messages and emails flooding in daily—I have learned how important it is to be intentional about how I spend each moment.

My day typically begins at 5:00 a.m., which allows me control over starting my day before anyone else reaches out through emails or calls. The house is quiet as everyone else sleeps peacefully while I engage in activities that set the tone for my day—meditation, scheduling automated emails for later delivery when appropriate or necessary tasks arise unexpectedly—and even hitting the gym before preparing breakfast for myself and making healthy choices.

By 8:00 a.m., after dropping off my daughter at school with automated emails being sent out as planned earlier in the morning rush hour traffic doesn't faze me anymore—I can calmly enjoy breakfast knowing that I am ahead on water intake most days, too! While there may still be hectic days ahead of me occasionally—I have mentally prepared myself.

Throughout each day, I intentionally allocate time for lunch to sit and process my thoughts while enjoying a peaceful meal. I also make sure to arrive 45 minutes early in the school line when picking up my daughter, giving me an opportunity to catch up on any missed tasks or indulge in some reading if nothing is pressing. Afterward, we both head to the gym—my daughter goes into child watch while I engage in cardio or weightlifting. When my wife and son return home, we prepare dinner together before settling down for a movie or reading, followed by bedtime routines. Each hour is intentional, even during moments of rest.

Appreciating the Preciousness of Time

Time is undeniably precious; it should never be taken for granted nor underestimated in its impact on our mental state. While we cannot control all the obstacles that come our way daily, we can do our best to be prepared mentally and emotionally. Each of our hourglasses has already been flipped over, and eventually, everyone's sand will run out. Therefore, it is crucial that we live intentionally—taking risks and betting on happiness as we navigate through life's journey.

Remember: Time waits for no one; embrace each moment with purpose and make every second count!