People predicted that when the Internet came out, we would actually have more free time to accomplish the things that are meaningful to us. Sadly, for most people, the reverse ended up being true. Everyday we struggle with getting things done and many of us end up thinking if what we did was really the best way to spend our time.

We hear things like make time for yourself, well, all the time. I have a big problem with this. How do we make time? It has always been here, hasn't it? Maybe even before the universe was born and especially before the concept was humanized. Time has always existed, nobody can make it. It's one of those things that we don't have control over, so how do we manage? In my opinion, if you don't want to be bothered by time, then you have to be aware.

When I look back to three years ago, I can recognize the problem I had with my relationships. It wasn't that other people were treating me poorly or that I was being too insecure. Those were just the side effects. The central problem I had was that I wasn't aware. I pushed all my problems to the back of my head and pretended like they were never there.

There's an old play on the words AWARE and WAR. If you're not aware, you're at war. And that's certainly what it felt like to me. A big battle going on inside my mind and spirit, and I wasn't even sure what side I was on. What does this have to do with time, you ask?

Well, by not being aware, time was able to sneak by and consume me. I wasn't aware of the important things because it hurt me too much. Days and months passed by. I missed out on a lot of life because I didn't care about my future. I didn't pay any attention in the first place, so why would I care anyway?

When I took the risk to see the world, I was able to make an interesting revelation. I admit it depressed and frightened me at first. However, that was a good sign. It helped me snap out of whatever I was feeling and look at the things that really matter. And after awhile, I noticed something wonderful. I just didn't notice the bad things, I saw all the good around me too.

After gaining confidence from seeing the good that life gave me, I was able to think ahead and look at my future. I then chose a path to take and it has been a good one. Not the best path maybe, but that's okay - because I don't know that yet.

So the next time you feel like complaining about not having enough time, remember that everyone has the same amount of time as you. The question you may want to ask yourself is Am I being aware?

© Sam Leonard
Life Channels Staff Writer
All Rights Reserved

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