Honouring the Passing of Time: Leadership Lessons from Time’s Wisdom

Time is a constant in our lives, yet it often feels like it slips away unnoticed. We rush from one task to the next, constantly moving forward, yet time’s lessons are often best appreciated when we pause and reflect. From a leadership perspective, time offers some of the most valuable lessons we can learn. When we take the time to truly honour it, we not only grow as leaders, but we also cultivate environments where others can thrive.

The last few weeks, I have been struck by how emotional I feel when I consider the passing of time. At the same time, I find myself unable to accurately gauge how quickly it’s moving. It’s as though time slips through my fingers, even as I feel its weight in my heart. My thoughts on time were stirred when I looked down at my dog, Indy, sleeping peacefully on his bed, stretched out and quietly snoring. I was hit with the realization that he’s now 10 years old, and his time with us may be limited. Then, I glanced at our 9-month-old puppy, Phoebe, whose non-stop energy reminds me of this “zoomie” stage I can’t wait for her to outgrow. I know that before long, she’ll be Indy’s age—and it will feel like the blink of an eye.  One minute, our pets are puppies, and the next, they are aging companions who have been with us through countless milestones.

As I approach my 53rd birthday in August, it’s not my age that weighs heavily on my mind. In fact, I’ve come to view aging as a privilege—a gift. And yet, I find myself at a crossroads, where I want to make a conscious choice to stop fighting my body’s natural changes. I’ve spent so many years striving to be the size I was in my 30s, clinging to a pair of size 6 jeans tucked away in my closet as a reminder of a past version of myself. But now, I feel the need to make a shift in perspective: to focus on what’s best for my body, not just its size. To honor it with the strength and health it deserves, even if it means embracing a different version of “me.”

Here is where my thoughts have taken me.

1. Time Teaches Us Fragility and Patience

In a world that is constantly moving and evolving, patience is often undervalued. We might be expected to make decisions quickly, but time teaches us the importance of pausing. It shows us that not everything needs to be rushed. Patience allows us to observe, reflect, and consider all possibilities before making decisions. This doesn’t mean being slow or indecisive, but rather being mindful and deliberate in our choices. Great leaders know that the best outcomes often come from waiting for the right moment, rather than forcing a quick fix.

2. Time Teaches Us Resilience and Reevaluating Priorities

Life doesn’t always go as planned, and time reveals this truth in the most humbling ways. Time teaches us how to bounce back after setbacks, how to weather storms, how to support others through their own challenges and how to gain the ability to remain steady during tough times. Time helps us develop resilience by showing us that no matter how difficult things may seem in the moment, everything passes—and we grow stronger in the process.

When I think about my body and the pressure I’ve felt to remain the same size, I realize how time has shifted my priorities. It’s not just about appearance anymore; it’s about health, strength, and sustainability. Time teaches us to reassess our priorities and let go of the things that no longer serve us, so we can focus on what truly matters. As we grow and evolve, our mindset must do the same—shifting from rigid to flexible, sustainable practices that nurture both ourselves and others.

3. Time Teaches Us the Value of Reflection and Wisdom of Age

One of the most valuable gifts time offers is reflection. I often focus on the future, striving to achieve new goals and grow. But if we don’t take the time to reflect on the past, we miss opportunities to learn from our experiences. Time teaches us that taking a step back, even for a few moments, allows us to recognize patterns, acknowledge mistakes, and celebrate achievements. Reflection helps us grow as leaders and deepens our understanding of ourselves and others.

There’s something incredibly powerful about age. While it often carries a sense of loss or change, it also brings wisdom and perspective. I’ve come to embrace the idea that the older I get, the more I have to offer. I take the time to cultivate a deeper understanding of myself, and the world around me. The wisdom gained from lived experience helps make better decisions, and create a culture of empathy and growth.

4. Time Teaches Us the Importance of Presence and Perfection

I truly believe that two of the greatest gifts we have to give is our time and energy. The time we give to others is invaluable. Time teaches us that the most significant gift we can offer is our presence. When we’re fully present, we listen attentively, show empathy, and build trust. In today’s world of distractions, the simple act of being truly present with someone can create a lasting impact on ourself and others.

Time has shown me that the pursuit of perfection is less important than the art of being present. I spent so many years chasing a version of myself that didn’t allow for growth or change. But now, I see that embracing who I am in the present, rather than clinging to who I used to be, brings a greater sense of peace and fulfillment. I'm learning that it’s not about striving for an ideal but about showing up authentically, and allowing space for growth and development and when I fall short, to meet myself with the same grace I would offer to others.

5. Time Teaches Us the Power of Consistency

Time reminds us that growth doesn’t happen overnight, and success is not an instant achievement. It’s the consistent effort over time that produces lasting results. Individuals who show up consistently—whether in their words, actions, or values—create stability and trust within their relationships. Time teaches us that the little things, done regularly, add up to significant change over the long term.

6. Time Teaches Us the Importance of Legacy

Finally, time teaches us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We have the opportunity to create a lasting legacy—not just through the work we do, but through the way we impact the people around us. Time encourages us to think beyond immediate results and focus on the long-term influence we leave behind. Are we cultivating ways of being that will carry forward our values and non-negotiables? Time gives us the perspective to consider the impact of our actions and the legacy we create.

Cherishing the Moments

To honour time is to respect its wisdom. It’s about understanding that it teaches us not only through the challenges we face but also through the quiet moments of reflection and growth. I am making efforts to slow down and embrace time’s lessons—patience, resilience, presence, consistency, and legacy. By doing so, I hope that it brings me a deeper sense of understanding, empathy, and the lived-experiences of others.

As I watch Indy and Phoebe, I am reminded to cherish the moments I have with them—because those moments, no matter how fleeting, are what make life so rich. Time teaches us to savor the now, to be mindful of the present.

Time moves on, whether we’re ready for it or not. But when we honour it, reflect on it, and learn from it, we grow as leaders, partners, and individuals. As I continue to navigate this journey, I’m reminded that the only true control we have over time is how we choose to use it. So, I’m learning to embrace the passing moments, knowing that they hold the key to an even fuller, richer life.