Understanding the Value of Time
Time is an invaluable resource, often recognized only when it slips away or is squandered. For those who have faced circumstances that led to wasted time, its scarcity can feel even more pronounced, heightening their awareness of each passing moment.
For people who spend many days living in survival, each day is consumed by the struggle to meet basic needs, leaving them with little hope or energy for a brighter future. This relentless cycle can also extremely impact children, who often sense the fear and uncertainty around them, internalizing these anxieties. As they go through their early years in a challenging environment, the tough situations they face can create a negative view of life that hinders their dreams. In these conditions, the chance for happiness and growth is often overshadowed by constant fear, keeping them focused on just getting by.
I think that the hardest part of healing is adapting to society after leaving such an environment. We may not need to live according to societal norms, but there is a sense of normalcy that does need to be learned. An abusive environment can be very different from the world, causing many to feel unseen and misunderstood. It may be easier with some form of support that is trustworthy, but most people do not have that privilege.
Related to this topic, there is a Disney song that has always resonated with me. For a while, I thought “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid was something I could relate to. I wanted to be a normal school girl and not be stuck inside watching the world do so many things I wasn’t allowed to. When the Tangled movie came out though, and I saw it in theaters for the first time, I cried. The song, “When Will My Life Begin” resonates with me because it speaks from a perspective of being trapped against your will and knowing there is more meant for you, but not knowing when it will start. I could seriously relate to this and really did want my life to begin.
Unfortunately, things don’t always turn out how we hope them to. I was hoping I would get out of that house in a healthy way, go to school, make good friends, and start building a good reputation. I was too focused though, on being seen and understood, that the universe used it as an opportunity to teach me not to get my hopes up. I made terrible friends, made a bad name for myself, and was hurt by many people that I thought wouldn’t hurt me. While the longing for connection is natural, it's essential to navigate relationships with discernment, recognizing that not everyone will offer the love and support we seek.
If we try to understand the implications of wasted time and the struggles of survival, we may recognize how vital it is to foster hope and healing for those affected by such circumstances. Creating communities that value empathy and connection can empower people to reclaim their narratives and redefine their futures.
Time is a precious commodity, yet its significance varies for each person. We never know how valuable time is to someone until we try to understand what time means to them.
