These are certainly strange time indeed. A world-wide pandemic, record unemployment, snow in May, protective facemasks everywhere we go, and, oh yes…murder hornets! Well, maybe murder hornets aren’t the most pressing item on the apocalypse menu, but this is definitely an unusual and interesting time to be alive.

One thing has not changed, however, and that is time. It is a commodity that all of us have in a very finite supply. Under the current circumstances some of us have more free time than others, while others are busier with work than ever. I am very fortunate to still be employed these days with many businesses closing due to COVID-19, but I am a bit jealous when I hear of people going on daily hikes and working on projects around the house. I would go so far as to say that I am busier than ever, and my days are a blur of spreadsheets and online meetings.

Regardless of your current situation, everyone has a limited amount of time and the enormous decision of how to spend it. There are 1440 minutes per day. That might seem like a lot but when you deduct time for sleep, work (if you still have it), and other daily necessities, it does not leave much to spend freely. So, my question to you is how are you spending your time these days?

The one thing I will say about the current situation is that I am enjoying working from home, as I am surrounded by my family. My kids have been remarkably content under the circumstances and, though I am still working, I am glad I get to see them when we would normally be going in opposite directions. There are times, however, when they do need to be encouraged to go outside. My wife recently gave them the idea of converting part of our backyard into a miniature golf course, complete with obstacles and traps. The other thing I have personally enjoyed is working out with my kids. As a professional fitness trainer of almost 30 years, I enjoy watching people make progress, but the truth is that I have always wanted to pass this knowledge on to my kids. My wife says that I have been waiting to train them since they were born. The problem is that we are always too busy. All of my kids have been year-round athletes and by the time they would get home from their sports practice it was time to eat dinner and do their homework, or they were off to another practice or game. If they were to lift weights at all it was usually with their friends at the high school facility.

Though I still follow a normal work schedule, I have had the pleasure of scheduling their “phys-ed” class right after my workday ends. I also am fortunate that I no longer have a daily commute, nor do I have to waste time finding work clothes, as jeans and sweatpants are acceptable in my office/dining room!

So, back to my question, how are you spending your time? Sure, we are all a bit stressed and these are strange days, indeed, but there are things we can control and things we cannot. One of the biggest, and most important is how we spend our time. We can worry and wish away the day, or we can build miniature golf courses in the backyard. The choice is yours.