\Grandma’s Wisdom: If You Aren’t Early, You’re Late!

Ah, Grama, you were such an influence on my life. Grama was my great-grandmother and probably one of my life’s most influential people. She was the matriarch of our family, the keeper of wisdom, and the one who always knew how to put things in perspective. 

One of her favorite sayings, which still makes me chuckle, is, “If you aren’t early, you’re late!” By the way, it wasn’t just that she was a stickler for punctuality, although she was. It was a whole lot more.

Her wisdom is even more critical today, especially in our world, which is perpetual fast-forward. Everyone’s rushing around, juggling responsibilities, and trying to keep up with the relentless demands for their attention and energy. Enter Grama, who understood that life is not just about showing up; it’s about being present. “Being early,” she would say, “gives you a moment to breathe, to soak in your surroundings, and to prepare yourself for what’s to come.” Plus, it showed you showed respect to all who were there; you were there.

She taught us that being on time is not just about being on time; it’s about creating an experience, building anticipation, and making memories. She was always prepared, and as a young boy, she taught me the importance of that for being the man I would one day be.

Think about it: when you’re early, you can connect with people and engage in unexpected conversations that can change your day. I can’t tell you how often I’ve chatted with a neighbor while waiting for the ride or laughed with a barista while waiting for my coffee. Those moments of connection are golden; you never know when they might lead to something amazing!

Now, let’s not forget the stress-free benefits of being early. You avoid the rush, the frantic last-minute scrambles, and the anxiety of running late. Every time I fail to apply Grama’s wisdom, I experience that anxiety. Instead, you can take a deep breath, enjoy the little things, and maybe even participate in people-watching. Who doesn’t love a bit of people-watching, right? Or, you might be able to write a few notes about the meeting or prepare a bit more.  

And here’s the kicker—being early is a form of self-care. It allows you to take a step back, assess your situation, and approach everything from a place of calmness and clarity. Grama always said, “Life’s too short for the chaos; embrace the peace.” And boy, did she live that mantra! 

So, the next time you find yourself racing against the clock, take a page from Grama’s book. Embrace the idea of being early, not just as a practice of punctuality, but as an opportunity to savor life’s little moments. After all, if you aren’t early, you’re late. And who wants to miss out on all the joy of simply being present? 

Thanks, Grama, for your timeless wisdom! I can almost hear her laughter as I write this. Here’s to being early and all the beautiful moments awaiting us!