I saw a video the other day where a man was talking about the idea of 84,600 dollars. What if this amount was deposited every day no matter what into your bank account? What would you do? You would spend every penny of it, right? knowing that another 84,600 dollars would be there again in the morning. It’s like the movie Groundhog Day because it’s a similar concept. We get 84,600 minutes to use up each day. It doesn’t accumulate nor does it go away until we die. It’s just a fresh day you could treat the same as if it were money put in your bank.
Watching the video hit hard with me because I have been on a daily painting habit this year where I have 32 new works so far. I begin each day fresh as if it’s my only day ever. I immediately get up and make the bed, get dressed, and do all the things to prepare for being present. I think about what I want to paint and may paint a dream I just had or something someone said to me the day before that struck a chord with me. I make a doodle and then begin drawing and adding layers of marks. At some point, I decide to add color and continue with layers of marks in different materials until I come to a point where I feel it’s finished.
This is from a journey that began when I got sick last year. It is called Mal de debarquement syndrome and basically means I am terribly dizzy especially after traveling. It finally calms down after some time which feels like forever. I also have to be careful when riding in a car that I look out the window or I get sick. This happened to me after a cruise, and it made it very hard to stand and paint like I normally do. I didn’t want to give up my art habit and lose my skill so I would draw. I got really good at drawing and got faster too but when I was able to paint again, I couldn’t figure out how to add paint because I liked the sketch so much. I felt like I was ruining my drawing by adding paint each time and was frustrated. This year I threw caution to the wind and have been on a journey to figure it out. How much paint do I add, and how much of the sketch do I leave exposed?
This new journey of mine to process my work and express what I want to say has turned into my daily practice now. I am so deep in the moment every day that several things have happened to me. My mindset is different as is how I generally feel. I am fully living in the present with no thought about the past except I carry the experience with me, so I make better choices today. I don’t even think about those experiences while I’m working. I am just working and figuring things out which is coming faster and faster to me now. I am happy! Like really happy! So, I feel like I should talk about living in the present and using your time well. Every day, we are gifted with 84,600 seconds, or 24 hours, to use as we please. Yet, we
often take this time for granted, failing to recognize its immense potential. Just as having a consistent deposit of $84,600 every day into our bank account would change the way we spend money, embracing the idea of 84,600 seconds a day can revolutionize the way we live our lives.
Think about it! With 84,600 seconds deposited into our time bank each day, we have the opportunity to create meaningful experiences, pursue our passions, and make a positive impact on the world around us. But just like with money, if we don’t have a plan for how to use our time wisely, it can slip through our fingers and be wasted. My only plan is to look at my calendar and see if I have anything scheduled to do and other than that I am going to do my art or relax or whatever comes to me at the moment. I am really enjoying working on my art every day!
So, what can we do to make the most of these 84,600 seconds? I feel like we should prioritize self-care and physical wellness. It’s good to take time each day to exercise, meditate, or simply rest and recharge. Investing in our health and well-being is a crucial component of a fulfilling life. I believe you should pursue your passions. Whether it’s writing, painting, or playing an instrument, dedicating time to the things you love can bring immense joy and fulfillment to your life. It is bringing so much joy to mine! You should connect with others. Spending time with loved ones, forming new relationships, and building community can bring a sense of purpose and belonging to our lives. I am enjoying my nights running karaoke and talking with everyone who comes out. I feel that we should strive to make a positive impact. Whether it’s volunteering, donating to charity, or simply spreading kindness, using our time to make a difference in the world can bring a sense of meaning and satisfaction to our lives. I am trying to do this through my art and how it makes people feel and think. I try to do this by posting to social media and my blog.
The 84,600 seconds we receive each day are such a precious gift. I see it as offering endless opportunities for growth, connection, and impact. I am in such a period of growth right now from embracing living in the moment. I LOVE this whole idea with its mindset and try to use my time wisely. I feel if we all did this, we could live life to the fullest and create a legacy that lasts long after we’re gone. So, cheers to the legacy we leave behind in the wake of a well-lived life!