I am rather cross these days. (Someone calls this ‘being cranky’). I am analyzing the emotional state (as is my wont) to discover the etiology and contributing factors. So far, I’ve rounded up with the usual suspects: I am over-worked, I am not getting enough sleep, and I am feeling the pressure of Christmas. Christmas is two weeks away and I haven’t done anything for it.
I suppose it is pressing on my deep-rooted sense of “My Own Time”. This neurotic wound is quickly touched whenever I feel entitled about some bit of Time. If someone or something intrudes on my Time, I can get hot and bothered. An unexpected event, a telephone call in the midst of dinner, an ‘add-on’ patient when I anticipated free time to catch up – these push “The Time Button” if I am not conscious and careful.
The concept of Ownership of Time is rather funny when looked at in the abstract. I can’t make Time. It comes at the same rate no matter what happens. Time can’t be saved. Time can only be spent wisely or foolishly.
And people barging in on my Time is the sine que non.
Taken to its conclusion: I have no Time of my own.
Surrendering Giving In to this Tao concept makes for less ire and outrage. Everything I want/need to do gets done.
Not to be fretting.
17 comments
December 11, 2009 at 1:32 AM
Peter
Of course you can make Time! We all can… just reserve some time, tell your assistant to block some time in your [over-loaded] agenda. Some ME-time is most important, not only for yourself but for others too.
TGiF ! 😉
December 11, 2009 at 5:14 AM
Ultra Dave
I fall into that trap too if I’m not careful. I also set aside some me time. The rest of the time, while planning for important events is great, I also have learned to not place ecpectations on every single hour and just go with the flow.
December 11, 2009 at 6:05 AM
foxystone
Time is independent of us, that is true. We trick ourselves into believing that we master it, when in truth time is the master of us all.
December 11, 2009 at 6:33 AM
Diederick
This sounds rather familiar. I think many – if not all – people have some sense of personal Time, which is never to be interrupted.
I’m sometimes shocked at how aggressive and unfriendly people – including myself; can be when the build up of steam becomes too great. People whose personality is busy recharging only seem to have the animal way about them, such is the response interrupters receive.
December 11, 2009 at 7:24 AM
Shawn
Time is a gift and yet an illusion. I find it best to be Thankful and enjoy what we have.
Carol Burnette closed her every show with a wonderful tune that is a great meditation that resets my outlook about it when I get stessed. Try singing that tune to yourself when you find yourself there and see if it helps.
‘I’m so glad we had this time together
Just to have a laugh or sing a song
Seems we just get started and before you know it
Comes the time we have to say So long’
Gratutude is a wonderful thing!
December 11, 2009 at 7:54 AM
Bigg
That picture is so classic. You really looked sorta pissy – you should have it printed and framed and call it “Spo Plots Revenge.”
I love your blog – it’s guaranteed to make me smile every time. Happy stress-less holidays!
December 11, 2009 at 9:28 AM
Mark H
Well said, and timely….I’m just off to a couple of stores hoping I don’t get mired in 3 hours of non-productive goals. Woohoo…THAT sounds Christmasy, no? I’ll be thinking of what you wrote all day today, and see how much MY time goals are interrupted. I DO KNOW it happens all the time, and kind of think retirement …..and only retirement made the difference in being able to manage time better. This can be truly upsetting at holidays….I wish you the best.
December 11, 2009 at 1:42 PM
Chris (in Philly)
I hope you find some good quality Spo-Time in your busy holiday schedule.
You look like you need a hug. (Someone, go hug Spo).
I had a plan today to go to the gym, do some gift buying, and do some decorating but it is not happening yet. My brain is tired so I am getting little done. And its ok. I am typically burned out the two weeks before X-mas. My seasonal depression self has arrived for the holidays so I am making the best of it, if I can. I have two trees to decorate so I am waiting for the Muses to arrive, they are late this year. And Randy wants cookies, so I am hoping my inner Timelord can conjure up some time so I get something done.
Have a good weekend, Spo.
December 11, 2009 at 4:44 PM
the cajun
Um, did I waste time reading this? I am confused. Now I’ll have to set time aside to analyze this.
See what you’ve done?
December 11, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Urspo
it is a terrible waste of time to read Spo-Reflections.The government needs you to get busy and spend money and boost the economy
December 11, 2009 at 6:22 PM
Larry Ohio
You have Someone to love you. Isn’t that more important than whatever time issue you may have?
December 12, 2009 at 7:01 AM
Urspo
I choose Someone over Time but chocolate cake to either on Wednesdays.
December 12, 2009 at 5:52 AM
Rick
The pressures at this time of year can be enormous. Glad to hear even a psychiatrist can get this way too.
December 12, 2009 at 5:53 AM
Rick
Okay, after re-reading that it didn’t sound very supportive. I hope you know I’m not “glad” you’re feeling that way. It’s just that some of us consider people such as yourself to not be that way. I’m know…it’s silly.
December 12, 2009 at 6:57 AM
BentonQuest
What is the great irony is that getting angry about having our time wasted in itself wastes time!
December 13, 2009 at 4:38 AM
Raybeard
Sorry to ‘barge in’ on your time, but not only am I motivated to find time to read your articles, as well as the comments on them, I like to read your comments on their comments, which I consider time spent wisely. Any comment?
December 13, 2009 at 6:53 AM
Urspo
thank you for stopping by! hohoho
You and everyone in your life needs to get into therapy as soon as possible. 🙂