Time, and how we choose to use it

Until my diagnosis, back in 2007, I was amongst the many people who never really gave time too much of a serious thought. I suppose that I was so busy in my own little bubble. I never really thought that it was limited! I imagined that it would always be there. Of course people die, but I wouldn't be thinking about that for a period of time, and I was going to continue enjoying my life!

I had a bit of a life plan, meaning I knew roughly which direction I was heading, but was always aware that as I was getting older, my career options were narrowing, and I did have an end game strategy to finally give up work. My business was a young mans game and I was aware that I couldn't go on too long.

However, when nature stepped in, all my decisions were taken away from me.It wasn't my choice that was dictating any more, it was my health situation.This was a very alien situation to me. It meant there were things I had to do, before things I wanted to do.As things went along my situation has meant that I spend a lot of my days in a hospital environment, for either treatment or tests and check ups.

This has ensured that I revalue my use of time. I try and prioritise things differently now. I can now equate my medical life, to a job. Something I have to do, whether I like it or not. So I am not too dissimilar to many readers. A proportion of my life is spent on something that is not my choice. Now the choice issue opens up. For me, the most important way to spend time is with my family and friends. Maybe it is an age thing, but special times with friends mean so much more than material things.

Even though many of my friends have retired now, it is still difficult to make a plan, due to either our, or their commitments. Months can go by, when we don't see each other, and if you aren't careful, you can get out of the habit, and then years go past.Everyone leads busy lives, and I know that it is difficult to arrange to see my own son and his family, as they work, and their weekends are full of social arrangements.

This got me thinking about social media. A lot of people use it now. Certainly, for the younger generation it is a way of life. Some of us older guys are just getting used to it! Does it add to our lives, or take something away? I wonder whether it is taking away our social skills, because it is certainly easier to communicate by computer.I notice much more frequently that people text, or email, rather than pick up the phone. Even I have started doing that! Maybe it is a good thing? It is certainly a new style.I worry that people think that because they spend ages updating Facebook etc, or Skypeing their pals, that this is what a good relationship is.

We all let each other know how busy we are, I don't know why, but we gain some comfort from that! However, I have seen, particularly in recent times, with The Jubilee celebrations, and the massive summer of sport that we are having, including the Olympics of course, that people can find time for things if they really want to. Wimbledon, Euro2012, golf, cricket etc. a lot of my friends and colleagues got tickets to go to these various events, as they were considered 'must do's'. I fully understand that, but my point is that there is always time to do something that you really want to. You will find it!

How we spend our time is our choice, that is the fun of life, and that is what makes it interesting. The fact that we are all different, and have different priorities. What is the answer? Do we ' live for the day, ' ' there's always tomorrow ' ' worry about tomorrow when it comes '  Maybe not thinking too hard is the answer!! Just be happy being lost in our own bubble? It was working well for me. Sometimes, ' ignorance is bliss '.

From my various experiences about the value of time, one saying sums it up for me, and that is " Don't put off till tomorrow, what you can do today"

How do you spend your time, and does social media, enhance your life?