There is a Time for Everything

Daily writing prompt

How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?

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I often think about some of the small, almost insignificant decisions and choices that have a big impact on me. Unexpected and random things, but I don’t often think about the more significant moments.

Joyful moments.

When I was around 17 years old, I signed up for a one week winter mountain craft course in Scotland. I went on my own, getting an overnight sleeper train. The course included snow and ice climbing, making a snow hole and sleeping in it, and covered basic and intermediate skills.

After a long morning, climbing up a snow gulley, using ice axe and crampons, I had a spiritual experience. The spindrift (ice crystals) blowing over the ridge at the top of the gulley, were twinkling in the sunlight. Climbing through a cornice, the view opened up all around, and I have never since experienced such a beautiful view. It was an incredible moment for me.

I tried to explain how I felt to my instructor, who told me that moments like that are truly rare. He told me that I should imagine that moment as a precious stone that I put into a small bag in my pocket. Every once in a while, take out one or two stones and really look closely at them and remember the feelings and the moments. Try and relive the joy of that time.

So far, I consider I have had a great life, with lots of joyful moments – too many to remember them all. This technique is great and I am glad to share this with anyone who is interested.

The passage of time has taught me to appreciate the moments and people in my life considerably more than the material things.

I sometimes see how small decisions can have a huge and lasting effect on somebody’s life. For example, getting prosecuted for drinking and driving, becoming unemployed, becoming dependant on alcohol, dying of liver failure. For example, having a mental breakdown and becoming homeless.

The passage of time can be kind or cruel. If you have joy, give thanks. If you have fear, doubt or sadness, think of better times you have experienced. Hope and believe there will be better times ahead and imagine the joy that is yet to come.

There is a time for everything.