The concept of time—past, present, and future—is a fundamental aspect of the human experience and has been contemplated throughout history in philosophy, physics, literature, art and everyday life.
The Past
The past refers to all events that have already occurred and cannot be changed. It forms our history, memories, and the foundation of our knowledge. We study the past to understand how we arrived at our present circumstances and to learn lessons that might guide our future decisions.
As a kid. I built up certain structures in my brain to get myself through my childhood and unlearning them as an adult.
I found childhood really difficult, because I didn’t fit in with anyone, I was quite off-putting as a kid. I’d often misread queues and say the wrong thing.
Going abroad helped for a year helped […] As Miyazaki would say, it "opened my brain" a little bit. I realised that I'm more than a studying machine.
I'm still on that path of realising the things I can actually do. I limited myself so much as a kid, put myself into a box and shoved myself away just so I could get through childhood.
And now I'm like "Oh wait, I need to figure out how to enjoy life".
The Present
The present is the moment we are currently experiencing—it's the only time we can directly interact with and influence. Philosophers and mindfulness practitioners often emphasise the importance of being fully present, as it's the only time in which we truly live. The present is fleeting, constantly transforming into the past while pulling the future towards us.
I’m in a state of not thinking long-term in any sense. It’s like “How do I get through this week?”
And that’s not healthy.
I feel a bit done over by life. I did the things I was supposed to: Study, get my degree, leave Uni, get a job and move out. That was the progression I wanted and it’s been stalled for four years because I couldn’t get a job.
I’m finally faced with the capitalistic dilemma of “I don’t have money and it sucks.”
It’s been a frustrating few years to the point where the idea of getting enough money to move out of the country one day is more of an idea than a concrete thing I can build around.
I find solace in art. That's the joy I get in life, engaging with art and engaging with people about art. That's why I like the job I do as a Journalist.
So I do have things that I'm able to take joy from, I just wish I could do it more often rather than sitting at home on my laptop, click-clacking.
The Future
The future encompasses all events that have yet to occur. It represents possibility, potential, and uncertainty. While we cannot experience the future directly, we can plan for it, anticipate it, and shape it through our present actions.
I’m not thinking about “What’s the plan for five years time?” that’s an insane thing to talk about!
Some form of direction would be nice. A job that’s consistent, knowing how much I’m getting every month so I can plan.
I want to not feel so stuck. It feels like these last four years have just gone.
- Ryan, 26, Writer.
Thanks for reading! If you'd like to hear Ryan's full testimony, head over to "What's Good?".
And if you'd like to tell your story, just drop me a message! Until the next time…
Charlie Taylor
chillicharlie.taylor@gmail.com
Born in Camden, North London.
Bred in Leigh-On-Sea, Essex.
Screenwriter/Podcaster/Photographer/
Hip-Hop Student.