Timeless
Recording time is a constant. We measure it, are guided by it and, occasionally, are stressed by it.
Being a stickler for time and time management is a trait that I inherited. It can be positive, yet it can also be my Achilles' heel.
From clocks and watches, to fitness devices and apps, we now monitor time more than ever before.
There are three watches in my drawer: my mother's engagement present to my late father; Mrs W's engagement present to me; and an Apple Watch, which records my progress, or lack thereof, towards achieving goals. Very occasionally it even acknowledges me with a virtual reward.
We have two hanging clocks in our house along with phones, the oven, the microwave oven, our computers, and our cars.
Due to a time recording device always being in proximity I should never have to ask the time. Even so, it is habit.
In fact, it remains a common quip that I can remember the exact time we arrived at important events. From significant birthdays to weddings, our entrance was defined by a moment in time.
Greenwich Mean Time is a time zone calculated just before midnight at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. There is also Coordinated Universal Time. And there is a difference.
In 1972, UTC replaced GMT because of the earth's changing rotational speed that results in our planet slowing down each year. UTC is not a time zone, rather, it is a time standard.
UTC is calculated by precise atomic time pieces situated around the world whereas GMT is calculated using the Prime Meridian which runs north and south through the English city of Greenwich.
Therefore, your time zone is either plus or minus the time at the Prime Meridian.
Australia has three time zones: Western Standard Time, Central Standard Time and Eastern Standard Time.
AEST covers Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales (except for Broken Hill due to a direct rail link to South Australia).
The time zone for the eastern states is GMT+ 10. Of course, Queensland does not have daylight saving time nor does Western Australia nor the Northern Territory, but let's not go there ...
GMT became a time zone in 1884 to help with naval navigation. It is still commonly referred to in Australia because we remain a member of the British Commonwealth.
Recording time keeps many of us competitive. A personal best is worthy of a share on the socials whether it be walking or running or riding or swimming. And if you can accompany your gold medal performance with a picturesque shot, the result is even better.
Strava, a measurement app for physical exercise, is extremely challenging. Segments are devised by individuals who wish to sit atop the rankings or for mere mortals simply tracking performance.
As a hyper competitive person for most of my 45 years these time recording devices have often caused me distress.
In fact, if truth be known, I had not logged on to Strava since late 2017.
Unable to even get close to the top 50 on segment rankings, people like me just log off ... not from exercise, just from creating unnecessary stress driven by perceived inadequacy.
But then something changed. Having finally accepted that the role of Australian Test Cricket captain was out of my grasp, I feel more comfortable with losing.
For 40 years winning was the most important aspect of any game.
Whether it be accumulating runs or taking wickets or scoring goals or eight ball or checkers or automatic response, I had the strongest desire to win that, at times, negatively impacted performance.
And, upon reflection, there is a fine line between emphasis on individual accomplishment and achieving team goals.
There is a movement known as soul surfing that began in the 1960s. Soul surfers participate in competitions.
However, it is the spiritual connection with the ocean and the sheer pleasure of riding the waves that motivates exponents.
Unfortunately, and not through want of trying, I cannot surf.
Nevertheless, I now understand the notion of completing the course or finishing the challenge for the positive vibes it creates no matter the time it takes.
The effort required to attain this sense of triumph should not be confused with a lack of effort.
To the contrary, huge mental and physical exertion is required to embrace your soul, which often results due to contentment.
Many people train on their own to quell their fear of failure. Yet friends make exercise far more enjoyable and, believe it or not, are more than happy to wait should you not be able to handle the pace.
Recording time continues to fascinate me. From the Prime Meridian to admiring timepieces in shops and online, there remains something important to punctuality.
Perhaps it is simply good manners. Perhaps it is a feeling of not letting people down.
Perhaps is a guide to being better. Whatever it is, time should be a companion and not the enemy of reward.