The Value of Time and Living with Intention

The Value of Time and Living with Intention

This post will begin a little differently than usual. There’s something I’ve been thinking about lately that I want to share: the concept of time. Not in the literal sense of seconds ticking by, but the passage of time and the importance of using it wisely.

In today’s world, there's a constant pressure to hustle every moment. While there are benefits to this mentality, it’s not always realistic. Operating at such a high pace is a privilege that requires motivation, and motivation, like any resource, can run out. Don’t get me wrong—hard work is important if we want to achieve something. But I’ve come to realize that being in a perpetual state of "go-go-go" can be draining and even detrimental. I’m experiencing this firsthand.

I enjoy being productive—whether it’s studying, working out, reading, or cleaning. But what I’ve noticed is the guilt I feel when I try to relax. And that shouldn’t be the case. There needs to be a balance between productivity and rest. And with that in mind, I want to emphasize the importance of embracing moments of relaxation.

The Importance of Embracing Rest

I’m 34 now, and as I head into my mid-30s, I’m realizing just how quickly life seems to be moving. Days blend into weeks, weeks into months, months into years. And what fills those years are mostly adult responsibilities, with moments of true significance sprinkled in between. It's those moments that truly matter, and that’s what I’ve come to appreciate more and more.

What brought this realization to the forefront? Well, working as a nurse in the ICU has certainly played a big role. I see people at their lowest points, and it’s impossible not to reflect on the fragility of life. This experience has made me realize the importance of cherishing fleeting moments—the kind that may seem small at the time but hold lasting value. Looking back on past relationships, I see times I took for granted—funny moments in the kitchen, offering a shoulder to lean on, or a first vacation. These are the moments I wish I had been more present for.

A Wake-Up Call to Be Present

We all know life isn’t guaranteed. But I’ll add my own perspective to that: We each have an expiring clock, and while we all face different circumstances, we're more alike than we might think. We're all trying to make sense of the world and carve out our place. The difference is, we don’t know how long it will take us to do that. And in the meantime, we often waste so much time stressing over things that don’t really matter—trying to make others happy, buying material things, paying for things we could live without, or getting caught up in trying to change people or situations at the expense of our own mental health.

I’m guilty of this too. But I’m trying to be more intentional with my time—choosing which relationships to nurture, deciding how to spend my free time, and being mindful of what I put into my body. I challenge you to take a moment and think about how you're spending your time. What truly matters to you? Are there things you’ve been putting off, or regrets you have about missed opportunities? Don’t wait for the “right” time—there may never be one. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so why not take action today?

Living with Intention

I want to encourage others to truly live—not just post about it on social media, but live with intention. Be mindful of how you spend your time and embrace moments that truly add value to your life. You’ll rarely regret time spent with family and friends. I know I won’t, and I’ll continue making those moments a priority. I hope this post encourages at least one person to reflect on their own time and how they’re spending it.

Lord of the Rings Review:

As promised, here’s my review of the Lord of the Rings trilogy:

I get the hype surrounding these books. I’ll admit, I wasn’t an avid reader until around 2020, so this series was the longest set of books I’d ever read. It was tough to stay interested at times because the level of detail was incredibly in-depth, which makes sense given the time in which Tolkien wrote them. That said, it’s a stark contrast to how many modern-day books are written.

Starting with The Fellowship of the Ring, this was my favorite of the three. I loved the storytelling around the One Ring and how each character was gradually drawn into the larger story.

The Two Towers felt a bit slow at times, but I appreciated the perspectives we got from Pippin and the Ents. I wasn’t expecting the Ents to rally the way they did in helping the heroes fight against Sauron. And Sam’s courage at the end—taking on the spider to save Frodo—gave real weight to the idea that Sam might actually be the true hero of the story.

What I enjoyed most about The Return of the King was actually the appendix that showed what happened to Sam after the main events. It was great to see him live a full life after all the struggles he faced on his journey with Frodo.

I know this is a quick overview of a well-known series, but I wanted to share my thoughts after reading them. Overall, it’s clear why The Lord of the Rings remains a classic.

Thank you for reading! Life’s been busy with school, family, and work, but I plan to be more consistent with posting. Until next time, take care and stay safe!