The Gift of Time

(Stoicism Series – Week 3)

Nothing has made me feel the importance of today’s theme as watching my children grow up. In the beginning you feel like you have forever, but then one day you have a senior in high school getting ready to leave the house and a freshman not too far behind 😢.

We only get so many weekends. Have a great one!

Quote

“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” — Marcus Aurelius

Time

As teachers, it’s tempting to believe there will always be another chance—another class period, another school year, another moment to connect with that student who quietly slips through the cracks. But Marcus Aurelius’s words jolt us into remembering: our time is limited, and so is theirs.

Every class is a once-in-a-lifetime event. The combination of students, energy, and unfolding moments will never happen in the same way again. When we realize this, the little frustrations shrink. We stop obsessing over the perfect lesson plan and start noticing the imperfect but beautiful reality unfolding in front of us.

Your students don’t need a flawless performance. They need your presence. When you truly see them, hear them, and respond to them as if this moment is the only one that matters—you bring Stoic wisdom alive in the classroom.

Beyond the Classroom

Outside of school, the same truth exists. We often push joy into the future: “I’ll relax once grading is done. I’ll take that trip when things calm down. I’ll call that friend when life slows down.”

But life rarely slows down. And one day, we run out of chances. The Stoics weren’t morbid—they were practical. By remembering that time is finite, they taught us to live fully, love deeply, and prioritize what matters most.

Instead of waiting for the perfect conditions, embrace the moments right in front of you:

• Take the walk.
• Eat dinner without your phone.
• Tell someone you love them.
• Start the project you’ve been “waiting for the right time” to do.

Try This:

Pick one meaningful project, dream, or relationship you’ve been postponing. Take the first step forward this week—no matter how small. Send the email, write the first sentence, or make the call. Progress honors the time you have now.

Reflection

If you treated today as if it might be your last in the classroom (or in life), how would it change the way you show up?

Affirmation

“I honor each moment as a gift and choose to be fully present.”

With gratitude,

Jeremy