How many times have we heard someone say, “I want to spend time with my family, but I can’t find time for it” or “I love music, but I just can’t find the time to learn an instrument”? Statements like these are common refrains, and they highlight a critical mindset that many people carry—the inability to find time, space, or meaning in their lives. But what if we stopped thinking of time, space, and relationships as something we need to find and instead began to think of them as something we create?
Shifting the Focus: From Finding to Creating
When people say they can’t “find” time, they’re implicitly suggesting that time is something external, something lost that needs to be located. But time is not an object that can be discovered; it’s something we can consciously choose to create. Instead of asking, “Where can I find time for the things I love?”, try asking yourself, “How can I create time for what’s important to me?”
By making this shift in mindset, we take the locus of control back into our hands. Creating time is about making it a priority—allocating time for family, passion, hobbies, and meaningful work. This realization brings clarity: creating time is simply about setting priorities.
Space: Not Something to Find, But to Create
The same logic applies to physical space, both at home and at work. Space, like time, is often perceived as limited—something we must find to make room for new things. But in reality, we don’t “find” space; we create it. Whether it’s adjusting your workspace, decluttering your home, or organizing your schedule, space expands when we consciously prioritize what matters most.
Think about it: when something is important to you, you’ll make space for it. That extra room doesn’t magically appear; it’s created by your decision to prioritize. On the other hand, if we struggle to find space for something, it may indicate that the object or task isn’t truly a priority. In this way, the act of creating space reflects our values.
Relationships: Built, Not Found
Just as time and space don’t simply appear, beautiful relationships aren’t found—they are created over time. Strong relationships are the result of active, intentional care, not passive waiting. To create meaningful connections with others, we must pay attention to their needs, add value to their lives, and ensure that our own needs are met in the process.
It’s also important to note that healthy relationships aren’t about keeping score. They aren’t about maintaining a perfect balance of give and take. Instead, relationships flourish when both parties are willing to give, sometimes even without expecting equal returns. The beauty of relationships lies in the shared growth, support, and care over time.
Meaning: Created Through Connection
We don’t stumble upon meaning in life; we create it. Meaning arises from engaging in things greater than ourselves—whether that’s nurturing relationships or committing to purposeful work. The pursuit of meaning requires active participation, a willingness to invest in things that extend beyond our own immediate needs.
When we shift from “finding meaning” to “creating meaning,” we open ourselves up to a life of purpose. We begin to connect with others and engage with activities that bring us fulfillment. In doing so, we realize that meaning is not hidden somewhere out there—it’s something we cultivate through intentional choices.
Empowerment Through Creation
The key takeaway is simple: the moment we stop looking for things to find and start focusing on what we can create, we feel empowered. This shift in thinking allows us to take control of our lives. Whether it’s time, space, relationships, or meaning, we have the ability to shape our reality by choosing what we prioritize and invest our energy in.
In conclusion, life is not about finding time for the things that matter most—it’s about creating time. It’s not about finding space for the things we value—it’s about making room for them. And it’s not about stumbling upon beautiful relationships—it’s about building them over time. Once we understand this, life becomes easier to navigate, and we begin to truly live with purpose and fulfillment.