"Une chose est certaine, que la vie passe"

Life moves fast, doesn’t it? One minute you’re graduating high school, and the next thing you know, you’re watching your kids do the same. The essence of this quote is just that simple—time doesn’t slow down for anyone. Blink, and you might miss something.

Historically speaking, people have always felt the rapid passage of time. This sentiment isn't new; philosophers, writers, and even regular folks like you and me have talked about it for centuries. We feel it at milestones—birthdays, anniversaries, or reunions. There’s a reason why we have all those old sayings like “time waits for no one” or “seize the day.” They’re reminders to make the most out of the time we have because it’s always slipping through our fingers.

Let me paint you a picture with a real-life example. Consider a busy parent named Sarah. She works a demanding job, takes care of her home, and raises two kids. Every day is a whirlwind of activities—getting the kids ready for school, meetings at work, after-school activities, dinner prep, and bedtime routines. Sometimes, she’s so caught up in the daily grind that days blur into weeks, and weeks turn into months. One day, she looks at a family photo on the wall and realizes how much her kids have grown. She feels a sharp pang of time’s passage and wonders where all those years went.

So, how can we apply the wisdom that life flies by? Start by being present. It’s easier said than done, but it’s worth the effort. Put your phone down during meals. Take a moment to actually taste your coffee in the morning. Ask your loved ones about their day and really listen. Another piece of advice? Don’t put off things that matter to you. Always wanted to learn guitar? Start now. Dreaming of traveling to Italy? Begin planning that trip today, not someday.

Imagine this scenario: You’re sitting with an old friend at a coffee shop, catching up after years apart. As you reminisce about the good old days, you both realize how much time has flown by. It feels like just yesterday you were in college together, pulling all-nighters and laughing until dawn. Now you’re talking about careers, families, and the unexpected twists life has taken. You promise to stay in touch more often, realizing that life’s too short to let connections fade.

This is the core of that quote. It’s a call to action. It’s telling you to do more than just go through the motions. Live. Cherish. Be present. Don’t let the days slip away unnoticed. By embracing the fleeting nature of time, we can find more meaning in our everyday lives. We’ll make those days count, rather than just count the days.

So next time you think about postponing something important or find yourself too caught up in the rush of daily life, remember Sarah, or that conversation in the coffee shop. Life’s flying by—make sure you’re actually living it.