I cannot believe that I am working on my last blog post for 2025, which means I have managed to meet my target of ten this year! Not only that but I have achieved the super figure of fifty blog posts published since I started my writing adventure back in March 2020 thanks to Covid. Who would have told me that five years later I would still be putting pen to paper! Needless to say, I am proud of myself for having reached such a milestone; I am delighted with myself for such productive five years; I am happy with myself for keeping it up despite the lack of time and inspiration at times. It has been an interesting journey, with quite a few roadblocks to overcome, some panic scenarios as the deadline was over, plenty of exciting opportunities trying to find the right topic, and for sure, loads and loads of great fun writing. Just in case, no one has noticed it, I do love writing.
…We live in a world of lacking time, being short of time, facing too many time constraints as we ask ourselves what time it is.
It is a beautiful afternoon here somewhere in the amazing County Donegal, blue skies but cold, it does feel like winter. No storm on the horizon (fingers and toes crossed), therefore, rain and strong winds seem to be a distant memory. On the other hand, Imbolc is starting to feel closer now that the winter solstice is over. It may sound typical but one can see that tiny bit of stretch in the evenings, we are heading in the right direction. The fire is glowing away here in the fireplace in the cottage; a seasonal candle is flickering away perfuming the ambience; my usual cupán tae; ready to let my inspiration flow. I am just missing Chief Superintendent Smudge the Cat (too old for travels). I am sure though that she would definitely be curled next to me, purring away as a signal of her approval for keeping on the schedule as well as a gesture of recognition for my work, lol.
…We live in a world of rushing, hurrying up and running late as we ask ourselves what time it is…
I have had the topic of this last blog post for 2025 planned for a while, early summer days I would say. Despite not having mentioned it in any of my previous posts this year, it has been on my mind quite a lot. Run, run, run; come on let’s go; simply needing to rush. Time flies has been constant over this year, but the question I have asked myself and my partner the most is “what time is it?”. Why one would wonder, I guess it is a way of ensuring I do not waste time, a way of controlling that my schedule is on time, a way of not forgetting that time flies, a way of making sure I need to get things done, a way of not failing to remember that I have to hurry up. I guess I do not realise that even before the alarm goes off I am already on the go, thinking what time it is; that I do not pay enough attention to the fact that I am far too often running around trying to get everything sorted before I am late; that I do not want to admit the pressure of the clocking ticking away. How many times have I told myself that I am going to be late because I still have that and this to do? How many times have I said to myself that I do not have enough time to get my list of tasks done? How many times have I reminded myself that if I do not hurry up the day will finish without accomplishing what I was supposed to? Far too many, to be honest!!!
I am sure that the driver who dangerously overtakes me in the morning has just asked himself/ herself what time it is, and sadly by feeling the pressure of being late puts others in danger. I can see that someone is not actively listening because they have just asked himself/ herself what time it is, knowing time is flying and something else needs urgent attention, so unfortunately missing part of an important conversation. I believe that the person behind me on the line at the supermarket’s till trying to make me rush, has just asked himself/ herself what time it is, and is annoyingly urging me to go faster because they need to be somewhere else as soon as possible. I have no doubts that when no one gives way in a busy car park, it is because everyone has just asked themselves what time it is, realising that they should be home and choosing to unthoughtfully ignore you. We live in a world of rushing, hurrying up and running late as we ask ourselves what time it is. We live in a world of lacking time, being short of time, facing too many time constraints as we ask ourselves what time it is.
…Pause and actively listen to that song on the radio, sing along without letting what is next push you back to the swirl of rushing…
We live in a world where what time it is seems to matter too much! Hence the importance of taking time to pause and reflect, to stop and take a breath, to disconnect and simply forget about time. First thing in the morning, rather than rushing around trying to get yourself ready, just pause for a moment to be grateful for a new day ahead. While walking at lunch break, rather than keeping an eye on your watch, simply stop, sit down on a bench and breathe in the fresh air. When you get home, instead of charging at what needs to be done, just sit down and enjoy a cupán tae and embrace the peace after a long day. How important it is to disconnect from our duties, our ties, our worries, our commitments, our constant need of checking what time it is. In one way or another, I do my best to pause, even in the middle of a busy day, and detach myself from everything so I can reconnect in a meaningful way. Pause and actively listen to that song on the radio, sing along without letting what is next push you back to the swirl of rushing. Pause and embrace the sunrise, appreciating the light spreading everywhere, without allowing the hurry to drag you to a busy day ahead. Pause and simply breathe and relish the silence, without permitting the loud hustle of life to redirect you to the maze of daily chores.
As 2025 is coming to an end, put your feet up, while reflecting on what this year has been, patting yourself on the shoulder for what you have achieved, and relishing all the memories made, all the adventures joined, all the special moments shared. Pause!
As 2026 is just around the corner, I probably need to remind myself not to get caught in the ticking clock countdown and simply focus on the time to be lived ahead. And do not forget to get another cupán tae, treating yourself to another delicious festive sweet!
PS: Thanks to all of you who keep reading me! Let’s see what the new year brings… Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh! Happy New Year! Bon Any Nou!
Jay Cee Moon ©
Jaycee Moon 