Filling a Time Capsule

Public places are great for people-watching and collecting gems of overheard conversations. Over lunch in a cafe the other day, I heard people on the next table discussing time capsules.

They were sharing ideas for things they could seal inside one for 30-plus years, things that would encompass who they are, what’s important to them now, in 2018.

Then my pizza came (if you ever visit Wellington, New Zealand, the Bellbird Eatery at the Dowse Art gallery probably serves the best traditional pizza in the area!), and hunger overcame curiosity about what items they planned to include.

But their conversation got me thinking, about what makes us who we are, and things we want to leave behind. I love this quote from Steven Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. “To live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy.” I can’t think of four better achievements to aim for in a lifetime, although I’d add “to laugh” to the list.

Blogging is a bit like a time capsule, capturing moments that reflect life as it is being lived, and standing as a witness, later, when memory might have faded.

Pretty much everything I write about is encompassed by Covey’s categories. Poems, social comment, how to live well/ cope with chronic pain. Writing about writing.

But I’m not going to hide my writing away in a musty old box buried underground for thirty years or more.

It will be right here, for anyone who cares to read it.