The Things That Matter

If you’ve ever seen True Detective, (Season 1 is quite possibly the finest season of any TV show, ever) then you’ll remember that “time is a flat circle.” I love that line, but I’m not so sure it’s true although it sure is fun to say, especially to people who get it, because when they don’t, I just sound like a crazy person.

Time is always moving whether we want it to or not. As a teacher, the days seem sooo long sometimes, but the weeks fly by like a Kingfisher searching for its next meal. On second thought, perhaps time truly is a flat circle because like in West World (another popular HBO show in which Season 1 is quite possibly the best), our days can seem like an endless loop of monotony every Monday through Friday.

Years are funny though. Sometimes I can’t remember how old I was during the important years of my life unless I do the math. But I do remember when I graduated from high school, undergrad, grad school, when I moved back to my hometown in New York, and when I moved out to Colorful Colorado. The latter was nearly 9 years ago and the older I get (I turned 40 last year) I am finally starting to understand the things that matter, or I’d like to think so.

Family matters. My brother was in town this weekend and although we only got to hang out for 24 hours because of work and inclement weather, it was so worth it. It was the first time our entire family was together since July and I just love how we all fall back into our old rhythm like a band that’s been playing together for over 30 years even though our songs aren’t always #1 hits.

Friends matter. I still keep up with many friends from back home on a weekly basis. We have built such a bond over time that life just wouldn’t be as full or fun without them. Those connections are important; they matter.

Nature matters. I’m trying to learn the location of all the bald eagle nests off Route 6 and I saw a little white head from the freeway presumably incubating its eggs on the way home yesterday. Little details like that matter to me, especially as I get older. I want to know what others don’t know and I’m willing to put in the research and time to do exactly that.

I’m guilty of getting wrapped up in the things that don’t matter, but another quote I live by is, “It just doesn’t matter.” Some of the most trivial things can drive us nuts sometimes and they’re usually out of our control.

Focus on the things that matter and have a great rest of March.