“On the Clock”: How Realising Time is Finite Changed My Life Priorities

There was a moment when I realised—I am on the clock.

Not in the sense of a meeting countdown or a deadline at work.

But in the real, visceral sense:

Time is ticking. My life is moving. And none of it is guaranteed.

Suddenly, everything looked different.

The to-do lists.

The targets.

The obligations.

Even the dreams I kept putting off for “later.”

Time Is Ticking…

Time is ticking with my family.

My children are growing older each day, with or without my full presence.

My parents are aging.

My partner and I are not who we were a decade ago.

Time is ticking with my friends.

Some of them are slipping into the background of life—not because I don’t love them, but because I’ve let busyness become a barrier.

Time is ticking for me.

The version of me who had goals, passions, health, energy, and dreams… she still exists. But I have to fight to protect her. Nurture her. Make space for her.

And when I sat with that truth—when I allowed myself to feel it—I asked a question that shifted everything:

If today were my last day, what would I regret most?

Would it be not completing that work project?

Or missing those after-school cuddles with my kids?

Would it be not achieving this year’s budget goals?

Or not making memories with my partner that would last a lifetime?

Would it be not getting that long-coveted promotion?

Or not having the health, presence, or time to play with my future grandchildren?

The Answer Was Clear.

My life is my priority.

My family is my priority.

And that doesn’t mean I’m giving up on ambition or walking away from responsibility.

It simply means I’m no longer willing to sacrifice what matters most on the altar of what matters less.

Yes, work has its place.

It supports us. It allows us to provide safety, comfort, and opportunities.

But it should never become the reason we live.

We were not born to just work, tick boxes, and chase titles.

We were born to love.

To connect.

To live fully and presently.

So What Changed?

I began asking different questions when making decisions.

I started measuring success not just by outcomes, but by alignment—with my values, my family, and my wellbeing.

And slowly, I began to reclaim moments.

Unrushed breakfasts.

Evening walks without my phone.

Laughter that wasn’t scheduled.

Presence that wasn’t distracted.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been living like you’re not “on the clock,” I invite you to pause today.

Look around you.

Listen to your heart.

And ask:

What would I regret most if I never got another day like today?

Because once you see what really matters—you can never unsee it.

And that, I believe, is where true life begins.

✨ 

Affirmation

“I honour the time I’ve been given. My life, my family, and my presence are my greatest priorities. I choose to live fully, love deeply, and be present in what matters most.”