Do you have two minutes? Come watch this short film: The Years Are Short.
The Years Are Short Movie — Gretchen Rubin
Want to talk about the piece?
Lessons from The Years Are Short:
- “The days are long but the years are short.” My heart was in my throat as I watched this. It reinforces how adults and children measure and value time so differently. I remembered all the times Timmy would ask to play with me, but I’d be busy with my laptop. What was just ten minutes of e-mail checking to me was ten minutes of playtime and bonding lost to him. I must reframe how I spend time with my son.
- When the days feel endless, look for the wonder. Some days seem to drag on and on. Cherish them more by looking at them through your child’s eyes. What you thought was dragging on too long may not have been enough time after all.
- Cherish the bus rides. The bus rides for us will vary. To me I think it will be playtime at the playground. I don’t spend enough time with him there. When we do play at the playground together, it’s one of the most joyous experiences ever for me and my son. Why don’t I do it more often for him? The years are short indeed. Soon he won’t be wanting to hang out at the playground with me anymore.
- Spend more time with your kids… and your loved ones. This isn’t just about connecting with the little ones. Spend quality time with your partner. Your parents. Your siblings. Soon old age can force you apart. Maybe even different interests, new relationships. Cherish the time you spend with family as the years are short with them too.
Spending quality time with Timmy at Gymboree. Must have more of these moments.
Let’s appreciate the present while it is happening. After all…
“Today is a gift. That is why it is called a present.” — Master Oogway, Kung Fu Panda
What did you think of the film? Raise your hand if you too were moved! Thank you Gretchen Rubin for this simple, inspiring piece.
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
Jess
July 13, 2013 at 2:17 pm (11 years ago)aww…this made me cry too…watched it with my daughter. This is a reminder for us that while we may be bored at times, our children are filled with awe & excitement because everything is new to them. It is our job to protect that childhood wonder. Yes, you are right, They grow up so very fast. (sniff)
Toni
July 14, 2013 at 5:58 pm (11 years ago)It’s good we have pieces like this to remind us once in awhile!
Em
July 15, 2013 at 10:24 pm (11 years ago)Thank you for sharing, Toni!
Can’t stop crying after reading the first line. Have you seen “the gift on an ordinary day by Katrina Kenison?”. If you haven’t yet, do not, at any circumstance, watch it while at work.
Toni
July 16, 2013 at 6:04 pm (11 years ago)Nooooo, notyet! Thanks for the warning.
I’ll watch it when nobody’s around.
Em
July 18, 2013 at 11:21 am (11 years ago)Here’s the link in case:
m.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DolSyCLJU3O0
Looking forward to your insight
Toni
July 18, 2013 at 12:18 pm (11 years ago)So I watched it at work and I’m trying my hardest not to shed a tear. Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ll go share this on the blog soon. I’ll have to watch it again on my own and let the waterworks out.
This video makes me want to rush home to my son right now!
em
July 18, 2013 at 1:47 pm (11 years ago)Please don’t tell me, I didn’t warn you. Hehe.
Here’s the thing though.. I don’t know if it’s just me.. but now matter how many times I try to watch it, I always end up crying.