Two years ago, I purchased an instant pot as a household Christmas gift. We used it several times to expedite cooking healthy meals. The name instant pot assumes quickness in meals; however, preparation and planning requires time. You have to plan what you would like to make for any particular meal. Then you must purchase ingredients and prepare the ingredients for the meal. The instant pot prepares the meals quicker than using a stove or oven and does not forsake quality or taste. A couple of months ago, I was making homemade broccoli cheddar soup. As I was making the homemade soup I was thinking about the concept and purpose of time. As I reflected on the concept of time it was evident that cooking with the instant pot, stove, oven, or any other resource requires me to be patient.
Sometimes in life we live to get to the NEXT instead of enjoying the NOW. For example, I wanted to get the meal done and move on to the next activity or task; however, my reflection on the concept of time forced me to be present in the now. Seeking clarity, understanding, and awareness in the NOW is what can prepare you for the NEXT. Thus, I need to move at my pace of progression. Sometimes, we move too fast or at someone else’s pace. Everything you have right now is all you need right now to prepare you for your now, next, and beyond. What you do not have will not maximize your potential.
Additionally, making this homemade soup reminded me that the process is not perfect, but the result will be tasty soup. I have to reframe my mind not to seek perfection. I needed a tasty and filling meal. The process is going to be messy because all the ingredients mixed together made the homemade broccoli cheddar soup. This was my first time making soup in the instant pot; therefore, I had to stay curious, believe that I could make quality soup in the instant pot, and value the process.
I ate the delicious homemade broccoli cheddar soup and decided to watch the movie Fallen (1998) for the first time in 15 years. This was one of my favorite movies to watch because there is a catchy song. Time is on my side, yes it is! This movie demonstrates the need for discernment in every area of your life. There are manifestations that happen and there are obvious answers and there are manifestations where there are no immediate explanations. More importantly, something is always occurring whether we see it with our natural eyes or not. This movie caused me to reflect further with myself about the concept and purpose of time. Who am I at this moment of my life? How do I want to show up? How can I use patience as a resource? How can I pace myself to allow myself to be equipped in my present and future? How can I be content with giving my best and not seeking perfection? How can I be okay with the process being messy?
The additional relevationary ideas that I want to share are listed below:
As intellectual beings we must discern the pivotal moments in our lives.
As human beings we must understand that everything connects, so when we think we missed our turn/opportunity, this is not the case because we do not need anything that we missed for our present or future. The necessary direction we are taking is preparing us for the now and next. First, we need to assess what we do have to maximize our potential. Then, we need to mark on our calendar daily time to reflect on our personal and professional intentions.
As human beings we must take our own personal pathways in life. We are social creatures, so we desire connections, but there are things, ideas, expectations, words, and actions that are personal to our own experiences and pathways. Let’s be honest, we want individuals that can challenge us to be the best version of ourselves; therefore, we need to demonstrate that personal accountability. This personal accountability allows us to be interdependent. We are individuals and we are part of communities. I will prepare myself to be ready for any individual or collective encounter or opportunity.
As intellectual beings we must be still and take notice of what is going on in our daily lives.
Call to Action: Take the time to think about the concept of time and the questions and thoughts within this blog post. Please leave a comment in the comment feature below.
