JUST DREAMING

How many of us have thought, if only I had a few more hours in the day! I barely have enough time to do essential activities, how I would love time just for me! Time seems to be a commodity that has become something of a luxury. Yet, time is probably the only real asset we have, as individuals (certainly in the present economy). We have only what is in our 'personal hour glass', and cannot share or buy extra from others. Should we not be more discerning about how we use it?

I have an image (correct or otherwise) that in Victorian times, the pursuit of leisure activities was more valued, certainly more universal (but probably only for some and, certainly not if you’re the scullery maid). I have the image of a leisured society of Ladies and Gentlemen who do not need to work. The image springs to mind, of Ladies and Gentlemen of leisure who study the classics, write lengthy letters to friends, visit with friends, go horse riding through the day and hold dinner parties with poetry and musical recitals at night, (or have I just read too much Austen). Note, I also choose to leave out the image of the inevitable needlework!

Recently, I was battling with such thoughts, as I tried to decide what leisure activity I would give up in favour of another, when I heard Harry Messel interviewed. Here is this wonderful Canadian/Australian physicist, who has achieved so much in his 86 years. He helped introduce computers to Australia, solar energy research and animal tracking by satellite. He wrote the famous “Blue Book” for science students and raised millions of dollars for research. When questioned, as to how he achieved and continues to achieve so much, his response was, “I've lived at least three or four lives. Now, people always ask me, how do you do it? Well, I tell you how. While you slept, I worked. I mean, everybody goes around in a semi-conscious state, goes to bed and sleeps 8-10 hours a night or 12 hours, and thinks it's smart. I sleep two or three hours and think it's great and I think that's quite enough for me”.

Could this be the answer? Was this where I was going wrong? Not that I compare myself to this genius (even if I lived 10 lifetimes) but just do the maths! Most of us sleep on average 8/9 hours; to spend just 2 hours less sleeping every night would mean an added 14 hours a week. To extrapolate this extra time, means 30 extra days a year, a whole month! Could I be both, the 21st Century working person who must work for living 11 months a year and, the Victorian Lady of leisure on the 12th month, enjoying whatever leisure activity I choose?