Well, spring is almost here – although where I am, it feels like it is already here. The time has come and gone to change the clocks. Here in California, we lost an hour of sleep by ‘springing forward’.

But did you really loose that hour? For some of us it certainly did mess with out internal clocks, but for the most part we still had the same number of hours in our waking day. Unless you are one of those that work the night shift the time change barely impacts you.

But why do people get so wrapped up in the time changes – ‘spring ahead and fall back’. I believe it has to do with the concept of time, and how much it impacts (or rules) a person’s life. In the Native American tradition, they tell us to rise and go to bed with the sun. I believe that every other hour of the day is up for grabs. There are cultures in this world where time is irrelevant, and somehow they are able to find happiness still.

I’m not saying throw away your watches and clocks. No, keeping your appointments on time is a sign of respect and integrity. Setting realistic goals in a realistic timeframe is hugely important. Picking up the kids from school on time is a pretty good idea, but what if they are 15 minutes late – they were ‘talking with the teacher’- which when translated from adolescent usually means; “I was messin’ around”. OK, those are 15 minutes you’ll never get back, but are they so important that we allow ourselves to get flustered and frustrated even angry at times? “Patience is a virtue”.

There are only 3 times that we need to be fully aware of; past, present and future. The past is our history – never forget it and learn from it, else it repeats itself. The future is our dream – our vision for a better tomorrow. Look to it with confidence and knowing, but it is in the ether of our life, so do not spend too much time there. Then of course there is the Present, and what a beautiful word. Unwrap your present with joy every day and relish it as if there were no tomorrow, knowing that it is safe from the ravages of the past – today – right now is special, and it is the ONLY time you have.

Love and Bright blessings ~ Richard