Wednesday, May 14, 2014

A little Thought Experiment

Step 1 

Try and recreate in your mind that precise moment (and I'm sure we've all been there) when you realise some 'thing' of value has been either lost or stolen. Your heart skips a few beats, then begins to thump like crazy. You frantically replay your most recent memories of it in your head; while simultaneously wishing so deeply, desperately, that you still had it, this thing you didn't even realise you loved so much. But it's too late, it's gone. 

Step 2 

At this point, different people react differently.You might go the textbook route and experience the five stages of grief, or you might just go and punch something. Either way, you begin to slowly imagine your new life without this 'thing'. You rationalise, convince yourself that you will somehow make it through this. You have to, it's not like you have a choice anyway. This annoys you even more, the realisation that you may have had little or no control over the chain of events that has brought you to this point. 

Step 3 

Suddenly, miraculously, the 'thing' is found. A wave of elation washes over you; a weight is lifted. Your hearts thumps again, but this time from excitement. You hold it in your hand; this beautiful thing that was once lost and is now found. You promise to make sure it is never lost again, and are determined to make the most of owning it because you've imagined your life without and it wasn't fun. Everything is possible once more, and all is right with the universe. 

Step 4 

Now, replace that valuable 'thing' with 'Time'.
Yes, you have less of it than you did a few minutes ago, but there's a good chance you may have more of it than you think. It's also possible that for now, you have that precious, fleeting thing: a choice.
So, what's your new Step 3 going to be?

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