Life’s Great Paradox: The Ambiguity of Time with Jord Watches & Link Up On the Edge #135
I find myself pondering the anomaly of time lately. At nearly 45 years old, right in the middle of my life (based, of course, on the current life expectancy of 78 years for an American woman), I often experience this strange sensation of inconsistency as I hear myself saying, “Life is short, live it well,” followed quickly by, “You have all the time in the world to get things done. Take your time and do it right.” And it makes me question, which is it? Do we have all the time in the world? I guess, sometimes we do. And then we see lives ended abruptly due to tragic events, illnesses, accidents, and it forces us to reevaluate this idea of having all the time we need.
At nearly 45 years old, I feel younger, healthier, more energized than I have ever felt. But then there are those days when I feel every bit of my 45 years catching up with me and my greatest desire on those days is an uninterrupted nap. At nearly 45 years old, I have done a lot of things, had many experiences. Some great, some horrible, but all of them have paved the road to right here. At nearly 45 years old, I still have many goals and dreams yet unrealized and I tell myself often that there is time to get it done. Then I find myself borderline panicking that there is no time left at all. And the crazy thing about the inconsistency of it all is the fact that none of us knows how much time we have left to get it all done. We just keep doing, hoping that our time is limitless.
How often do we hear ourselves and others complain that there are not enough hours in the day, there is so much to do in so little time? How frequently do we waste time? Or kill time? Or lose track of time? Or run out of time? We race against the clock, we ignore the clock, but I would venture to guess that we are always watching the clock. How many times a day do we check the time? Counting the hours until an exciting event or wishing we were doing something entirely different from what we are doing in that moment? Dreading time spent doing things we abhor while the time flies by when we are enjoying the moment?
So many people who have gained the experience of time and years that have passed will often tell you to enjoy every moment because in the blink of an eye, it’s over. Your babies grow up and have babies their own. You notice the effects of time on your body. The days turn into months, the months into years, and before you know it, it all becomes a giant blur of memories that become indistinguishable amongst the millions of memories created over time. We forget some things and we remember others. We memorialize them in photos, in poems, in stories that we pass down through the generations. And we hold tight to time as it flies perpetually out of our grasp, fleeing to we know not where. I guess the best we can do is realize that we are the youngest we will ever be right now, in this moment, so embrace who you are, where you are, and the road that brought you here. We don’t know where it goes or when it will end. We can chase it, we can waste it, we can make good use of it, we can obsess over it, there is no right or wrong way. Time will always win.
What I do know is that I choose to make the best of the time I have been given. Whatever time I have left here. I want to leave a legacy of goodness, kindness, honesty, and love. I want to be remembered for how I have made other people feel. I want my words of wisdom to carry on and change lives for the better. And I want to have fun doing it. When my time runs out, I want to lie down peacefully at the end, knowing that I have done my very best, truly, genuinely, without apology or shame. And if you know me at all, when I lie down peacefully at the end, I will most likely be wearing a fabulous outfit with killer shoes and amazing accessories. So whomever is left to bury me at the end, make sure that my style is on point!
Speaking of time, how do you feel about the passing of it? How do you keep of track of it? In a world dominated by cell phone use, it seems we all look to our phones for the time. But why not up your style game and invest in a gorgeous, classic, quality timepiece that you can wear every day that will remind you of the time? With a reliable wristwatch that is lightweight and hardy, you can put the damn phone down for a day or two and go out into the world and just live life. Embrace the perfect moments of time that we have been blessed with…the fleeting minutes that fly by…and make the very most of them.
You can also give the gift of time with a beautiful Jord Watch. Enter for a chance to win $100 off one of your own by clicking here. I am wearing the Hyde Watch in Ebony and Iron in this post. This is my third Jord Watch and I love every one single one of them. I have given these watches as gifts as well and the recipients have been thrilled with the quality and the gorgeous appearance of their special timepieces.
When ordering a Jord Watch, you have the option to specify the size as well as mix and match different woods with a variety of face options. Most backplates can be engraved for a more personal touch making these the perfect gift for almost anyone in your life. Every Jord Watch arrives in a cedar humidor presentation box that is also engravable. And all Jord watches have a one year warranty with free standard shipping worldwide.
You may be wondering who would appreciate such a beautiful quality watch…I am thinking new graduates (graduation season is coming), bridal parties (wedding season is nearly here as well), and Mother’s Day and Father’s Day will be here before you know it. Jord Watches also make special birthday and anniversary gifts for your loved ones. Remember, we never know how much time we actually have, so why not give a gift that will be cherished for years to come.
If you have entered the drawing for $100 off you very own Jord Watch, the winner will be emailed when the contest ends in one month. All entrants will also receive a code for 10% off the purchase of a Jord Watch.
You can see my other Jord watches here and here…I do love these time pieces!
And now your featured favorites from last week’s link up.
Suzanne of Crazy Blonde Life shared her post, Best Flattering Basics To Make Your Life Easy-Bess & George Clothing. Not only is Suzanne one of the most amazing women I have ever met, but her style is so impeccable and leaves me swooning with every outfit! Head to toe…absolute perfection!
B
Laurie of Vanity and Me shared her post, High Neck-Balloon Sleeves From The Holly Willoughby Collection. Laurie is an absolute style icon in my book and she always shares some of coolest brands and collections. Always chic and stylish, I find lots of styling tips from this fascinating woman!
And Meinhilde of Kiku Corner shared her post, DIY: Knit Mountain Mist Pullover by Tin Can Knits. I am always in awe of people who can create beautiful clothing with their own hands right in their own homes. Seriously, how beautiful is this hand knitted sweater?
Inlinkz Link PartyDid you remember to enter for a chance to win $100 off a Jord Watch? If you haven’t yet, just click here. It only takes a moment.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.
45 Comments
Gemma Etc.
Oh wow what a beautiful watch, such a unique design with the wood xx
GemmaEtc.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gemma! I love how lightweight it is so it doesn’t even feel like I am wearing a watch.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
Love this cozy chic look Shelbee! The watch is really nice too. I am a big fan of Jord watches. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! It is still so cold and wintry here that I have to be cozy. I styled a Spring dress yesterday in the middle of a snow squall. The photos I took look sort of ironic!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Ann Arnold
I can definitely relate to feeling that paradox myself! I love the watch and your look.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style</a
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy Ann! I do love writing posts that get all philosophical like! Have a fantastic weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kimberly Malkiewicz
The fir trimmed vest is so fun, Shelbee. I’m in a less busy time of my life right now and it’s a strange feeling. Being in a holding pattern as we are, it feels like I’m wasting a lot of time.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kim! I just saw this quote and it kind of goes along with where you are at…“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” (Marthe Troly-Curtin, Phrynette Married) Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kimberly Malkiewicz
You’re so right, sweet friend! I need to “chill” and enjoy. My Darling Husband has told me I could lounge around for the rest of my life and have accomplished as much as most other people… He’s a keeper <3.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
He is a keeper and he is so correct! Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
Jean | Delightful Repast
“We can chase it, we can waste it, we can make good use of it, we can obsess over it, there is no right or wrong way. Time will always win.” Shelbee, this isn’t what I was expecting when I visited your blog today, but it was lovely! And thank you for hosting (I’m #80).
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jean! I guess I do like to surprise you all sometimes when I go a little deeper into life and all of its mysteries! I am glad you enjoyed the post.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking nice. As for marking time, I have a Samsung Gear 3-lol. This post kind of struck as I just went to a memorial service for a friend who just passed. He was 51 and suffered two strokes. Before the strokes, he was in good health and had everything set up when he retired at 50. He had medical for life, a good pension and a great second career. The thing I took away is a saying “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift-enjoy it.”
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Patrick, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. It is things like that which really make us reevaluate our lives and the way we spend our time. I try to enjoy every day for just that reason…tomorrow is a total mystery. Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Shelbee
LAUREN Koepf SPARKS
Beautifully said.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lauren!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lisa Richardson
Love your new watch. I’m doing this next week and mine arrived yesterday. It’s totally different from yours, so that’s awesome. Any readers we have in common can see two different styles. XO
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Lisa! I will have to enter your giveaway because now my husband wants one! I look forward to seeing your new Jord watch!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gigi Kiersten
I love how you basically mastered the art of looking great while in the freezing cold, Shelbee! I really love that polka dot scarf. I accidentally mistaken it as an actually blouse until you took it off for the other photos.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Gigi! I suppose it is an art that I have mastered after years of living in a very cold place with very long winters!
xoxo
Shelbee
Liz
First off, you honestly look a decade younger – you have such great skin! Secondly, I love that watch! So unique and fun!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Liz, thanks so much! Jord has one watch in a rose gold, the Cora Polaris, that totally reminds me of something you would love!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I just listened to a Fresh Air podcast with the woman who wrote Reviving Ophelia—she has a new book out about being a woman of a certain age, and she said something that got me thinking: now, when a woman retires at 65, she could possibly have a third of her life still ahead of her! That’s so crazy to me. Time is very relative; sometimes it feels so slow, sometimes it goes so fast, I can’t believe I’m already 41 years old. That’s life!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow, Cheryl, that it is quite an interesting fact. And it is crazy, isn’t it? Some days I can’t believe I am in my 40’s and other days I feel like I have a million years left to live! Thank you for sharing this tidbit!
xoxo
Shelbee
Paul
Very true words on the passing of time and very clever segue for the Jord watch, stay warm
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Paul! I don’t know if it was a clever transition to the watch or just plain old cheesy, but there it is, either way! Ha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Gerben has a Jord watch, not me!! And his is to big for me!😂😂😂 What a beautiful necklace you are wearing!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh I remember when you posted about Gerben’s Jord watch, Nancy! I hope you enter the giveaway to at least try to get $100 off one for yourself! Thanks for stopping by.
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura
So many people I know have stopped wearing watches because of cell phones, but I love being able to look at a watch and just know the time-not be distracted by new emails or instagram notifications! That watch is beautiful on you and so is the rest of your outfit!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! And I agree with you totally. Sometimes, I do like to just put the phone down and be able to know the time without all of those distractions you named. It is like as soon as you pick up the phone even to just check the time, you get sucked into everything else!
xoxo
Shelbee
Elle
I love this very chic winter outfit. The fur trimmed poncho is really pretty and I really like the style of the denim. I completely understand your feeling about aging. As I find myself closer to 61 than 60 , I realize that I am quickly approaching the senior citizen status, as well as they age in which my brother passed from leukemia.
Mortality is quite on my mind too. Some treasured people in my life are in the midst of passing.
But when you have a wide circle of friends and a big family, there are a number of joyful things to celebrate and the inevitable passing as well. Cycles of life ..
Anyway I hope you are enjoying this lovely weekend. Sending my best from New York.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Elle, thank you so much for sharing this perspective on time and aging. As I quickly approach the ages at which my parents passed away, mortality certainly pops into my mind more often than in my days of youth. But you are so right that we still have so many things to celebrate with love and joy…which is exactly what I intend to do!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nailil
Love this look Shelbee. And the watch is just beautiful. This brands has awesome watches.
Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nailil! This is my 3rd Jord watch and they are all so gorgeous!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rachael Thomas
What a great watch, and I’m loving the dark wood! Love your poncho too!
Rachael http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Rachael! I have been wearing a lot of ponchos lately with another one coming to the blog tomorrow!
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire Justine
Love your watch Shelbee, I could do with a new watch for work. I adore your polka dot blanket scarf too. I need one like yours.
Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays 🙂 Hope you can join us tomorrow.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Claire! I do love my Jord watches! Did you enter the giveaway? That is how I acquired my very first Jord watch…I won a giveaway on someone else’s blog! Then I was hooked.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
These are fabulous watches, and your choice is no exception. Thanks for hosting the #linkup. Jacqui Mummabstylish
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Jacqui! I do love Jord watches! They are so lightweight and just give a really cool vibe. Did you enter the giveaway?
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
Such a stylish watch! I love Jord watches, they are so light and comfortable to wear. Fabulous poncho too!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Emma! It is the lightweight quality of the Jord watches that I love best, too! I actually don’t wear rings or bracelets often because I find them uncomfortable and restricting, but these watches are super comfortable.
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna Shirley
The watch is beautiful. But not only the watch. The whole look is very nice. And I love the snowy pictures. o) Thank you for sharing with My Red Carpet.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Anna! I am glad you are still enjoying the snowy photos because I have more to share before the snow finally melts here. Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
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