The chief beauty about time is that you cannot waste it in advance. The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you, as perfect, as unspoiled, as if you had never wasted or misapplied a single moment in all your life. You can turn over a new leaf every hour if you choose.Arnold Bennett (1867-1931)
I really needed to read this today (or this week, more generally).
ReplyDeleteIn preparation for Passover, I spent a lot of time last week cleaning my home, and I unearthed a lot of things that brought up regrets and memories of missed opportunities and wasted time. I threw a lot of it out too, which felt freeing, but I also brooded a little over those things I can't get back. I'm now trying to concentrate on the feeling of renewal, that no matter what's come, I can do better in future, enjoy and savor life more too.
I'm stunned, reading your words. It's like that quote from the Talmud, isn't it? It means so much to me that you wrote. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading Bennett's quote but then fell into the trap of thinking somewhat as the first commenter did: regretting time I could not get back, decisions made, time wasted. And thinking that yes, while Bennett was right, don't we also predispose future actions by past actions? It is so tempting to hold onto those thoughts that weaken our determination to make "today" full of positive action. That is a dangerous line of thought that I try almost constantly to say no to. It is also a trap that we use to justify inaction.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking that his words precede those on many refrigerator magnets of a few years back: today is the first day of the rest of your life. You might like to read this blog entry from a dear fellow blogger:
Deletehttp://myjourneytomindfulness.blogspot.com/2013/03/accept.html
What a lovely quote - it had never struck me like that before! Thanks for finding it - I am passing it on. x
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to read some Arnold Bennett. I tried one book, and didn't care for it too much, but should try again. I know that Margaret Drabble is a big fan, though he didn't like Virginia Woolf's work.
DeleteLove this quote. It is so encouraging. The header photo looks very spring-like except for the snow. Happy Easter. Don't eat too much candy. :)
ReplyDeleteIt really is encouraging, isn't it. We do still have snow, but heard a robin and woodcock yesterday!!
DeleteI love the positive aspect of this quote....my mom taught me a poem which I will not inflict upon you that stated the same thing, only very negatively about wasting moments.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'd like to see it!
DeleteBeautiful quote, Nan. Like Sallie, I especially appreciate the positive note. Your header photo is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI was so struck by his words, I had to post them.
DeleteThe tulips have just gone by. :<(
Great quote. I am always making new resolutions about managing my time.
ReplyDeleteI'm terrible at time planning. It's funny, too, because I'm organized, don't have clutter, etc. but I don't like planning events. Maybe that's the stage of life I'm at now. No more field hockey games or concerts. All those child-rearing years of almost every minute accounted for probably may cause me to just go from minute to minute now. :<)
DeleteThank you for this wonderful quote! It reminded me of...
ReplyDelete“Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.” from the movie Vanilla Sky
And, yes, I agree that your header photo is lovely!
I was just thinking about the VS soundtrack! That was a good movie. I should watch it again.
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