24 Hour Time
Spoiler alert! It’s not really about 24 hour time.
I sat down to journal this morning. I have a list of prompts that I want to work through. When I’m not in a regular habit of writing I find prompts are a great way to get started. I like to reflect on questions that other people are pondering as well as muddling through what’s going on in my own mind. But as I sat down to write, surrounded by the warmth of the early morning, the smell of my coffee and a table full of projects. Books, laptop and a painting. Something else caught my attention. I start my journal entries the same way every time, I have since I was about 13. Date on the left side of the page, time on the right. And this morning, as I wrote out the time a thought occurred to me and I started writing, unprompted…
“Firstly, I don’t think 24 hour time will ever be my default. I can do it, and sometimes I do, it’s just not where I’m most comfortable. Which is a lot like life isn’t it. There are places and things and people and situations where you feel most comfortable. And then, there are the times where things don’t come naturally, where you can do the thing but it’s not your most favourite, but you do it anyway. I think it’s about balance. Not too much of either, watching and following how life is unfolding to be able to adapt. To listen to your own inner landscape and decide, in real time, which way do I need to lean in this moment to keep the balance? Nothing is ever set and forget. Everything moves, adapts, changes. Stay in touch, don’t lose sight and enjoy the ride of this beautiful wave called life.”
I don’t ever share what I’ve journaled, but something about today, this piece, made me want to share.
It’s funny how something as small as writing the time, can open up a whole train of thought. But I think that’s the beauty of paying attention—these tiny little moments, that we might ordinarily overlook, can surprise you with exactly what you need to hear. So I guess, this is just a gentle reminder to stay present, stay curious, and honour what feels true for you in the moment. That’s where the good stuff lives.
Cheers, Jess xx