Over the April holidays, I spent some time with my brother on the Karoo farm where I spent the first few years of my life. My brother and I grew up either running wild around the house or accompanying my dad on trips around the farm.
I always enjoy my time on the farm – the wild open space, blue skies during the day, and starry nights. However, this time I encountered an unexpected gift: a strengthened bond with my brother. We shared fond memories of our childhood, but we also opened up about our current challenges and dreams. Previously, our connection had suffered due to distance and the busyness of life. More recently, we had both faced difficult transitions, and the humility and vulnerability we both learned sparked deeper conversations.
On my way to the farm, I attended the funeral of a man my age. What struck me was how we take it for granted that we will have time. We are not guaranteed time. Perhaps it was this experience that spurred me to have the courageous conversation I needed to have with my brother - a conversation that I now treasure, one that has enriched me and our relationship.
My time away on the farm, the funeral and that conversation reminded me that wealth is about more than money. Recent experiences have impressed on me that, among other things, wealth is about time. Time with my ageing parents. Time with our kids, who are all flying the nest. Time to reconnect with old friends. Time for new experiences. Time to pursue my dreams.
To some extent, wealth is about control of your time, just as savings are about control of your budget. Time is not infinite, and each day, month, or year we make decisions on our time budget too. If left unchecked, our time will be stolen from us by the demands of life, the media or others’ agendas.
I returned more conscious than ever that time is a precious commodity. I hope to spark this consciousness in you. How are you planning to spend the wealth of time?
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Kind regards,
Sunél