Time Is Now: Lessons From Hawaii

During my time in Hawaii, I’ve noticed something fascinating: time feels different here. In Chicago, the days rush by — appointments, deadlines, schedules. But in Hawaii, time stretches. It breathes. It reminds me of what’s real.

All my life, I’ve heard the saying “time is money.” But my heart has never agreed. I don’t believe time equals money. Time transcends anything we can measure. It isn’t yesterday or tomorrow — it’s here, now.

Yes, we try to track it with numbers, clocks, and calendars. But the truth is, time can’t be contained. For centuries, humans have tried to put it into words: memories, conversations, dreams, action. Time is all of these things — and yet it is none of them.

We often live as if time is infinite, as if there will always be more. But eventually, we realize that time can’t be exchanged or replaced. It moves forward, whether we notice it or not. And once it’s gone, it doesn’t return.

So I invite you: forgive, even if it’s hard. Start the conversation you’ve been putting off. Hug your loved ones a little tighter, right now — not tomorrow. Later is a dangerous myth.

If you understand Spanish, I encourage you to listen to “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” by Bad Bunny. It’s a gut-punch of a song about all the pictures he wishes he’d taken when he had the chance. I’ve cried to it, I’ve danced to it — and for the past year, it’s reminded me that our lives aren’t happening someday. They’re happening right now.

Don’t wait. Don’t scroll past your own life. Live it, love it, document it, and share it — while you still have the time.

With love,

Jackie Bravo