Time. Time. Time. Time…Time…Time… Time moves quickly, but it can move slowly. I feel it moves quickly when I am thinking about the future, and slowly when I am in the present. Time feels fast when I am surrounded by many people, and slow when I am alone. I spend my time thinking about what will happen, and not engaging in now. I have wasted time. Now, I realized that time does not wait for anyone.

When reading They Called Us Enemy, a graphic novel that illustrated the memory of George Takei and his time incarcerated in several camps, I noticed how the different emotions were displayed of the Takei family, when they were conflicted and joyful. Despite what happened to them in the future, they continued to not worry about it and were playful in the camps. Whenever they felt stuck, they just remembered that they were together at least, and that they were going to make it through. This, among other things as well, contributed to this idea that I now value: time is valuable; time should not be spent on the little things.

I remembered one time I was arguing with my mother, just like that one scene in They Called Us Enemy, when George was arguing with his father about bad decisions that were made to keep the family together. I hardly remember what it was that I was arguing with my mother about. I just remembered how I felt, frustrated and discontent, and I felt that I was right, all focused on proving her wrong. Maybe, I didn’t remember it well because the argument was pointless, and that I was worrying about the little things. When reflecting back on this vague memory, I learned a valuable truth: to not worry about the little things.

I haven’t really acknowledged these lessons; I didn’t really see the point to. They were principles that I wish I had picked up on earlier, ideas that really prove meaningful. Until now, I feel as though something has awakened in me; I feel as though my mind is more open and clear now. Rather than my anxiety and my feeling of being stuck, I feel as though I am finally noticing that these ideas are real in the sense of truth. In other words, the way time is spent, and the idea of not worrying about the little things, are all essential, for all people to discover. Time should be spent with close ones, while being spent now and not later or before.