“No, it’s Iowa.”
If you recognize that line from Field of Dreams, you likely recall the emotional impact it had.
However, this isn’t about baseball, Iowa, or even heaven. It’s about something far more valuable,
yet far less understood—time.
We’ve all heard the saying, “time is our most valuable resource.” But why do we associate time
with such great importance?
In short, it’s not about time. It’s about you.
More specifically, it’s about what you do with your time.
The Monetary Illusion of Time
Traditionally, we’ve linked the value of our time directly to money. The age-old saying “time is
money” originated with Benjamin Franklin, framing time purely as an economic unit. We
calculate hourly rates, charge by the minute, and stress over productivity and efficiency. But does
this monetary attribution truly capture the essence of time’s worth?
What if we’ve been getting it wrong all along?
It’s Not Time—It’s Headspace
Let’s shift the focus. The real value lies not in the number of hours we have but in our ability to
fully utilize and appreciate them. It’s not merely about having free time; it’s about having the
mental clarity and emotional readiness—our headspace—to engage meaningfully with that time.
Have you ever taken a day off only to spend it worrying about work? Have you ever scheduled
“me-time” but ended up endlessly scrolling through your phone, feeling drained instead of
refreshed? If your head isn’t clear, no amount of free time can truly rejuvenate or inspire you.
Time alone isn’t enough; the quality of your mental and emotional state determines whether you
genuinely benefit from it.
The Paradox of Running Away From Time
Here’s where behavioral psychology sheds light. People often claim to crave more time for
themselves yet paradoxically do everything possible to avoid facing that quiet, reflective space
when it finally arrives. Why? Because silence and solitude confront us with our thoughts,
worries, and insecurities—something that Twenty One Pilots powerfully encapsulates in their
song, ” Car Radio “: “Sometimes quiet is violent.”
Silence compels self-reflection. It urges us to confront the uncomfortable truths we usually
distract ourselves from—unresolved stress, emotional baggage, and lingering anxieties.
Cognitive dissonance, the discomfort of facing conflicting feelings or thoughts, pushes us back
into distractions, keeping us occupied rather than permitting us to rest meaningfully.
Mental Health, Trauma, and Time
There is a deeper, more sensitive reason why some people consciously or unconsciously avoid
genuine downtime: trauma. For those carrying past traumas or deep emotional wounds, silence is
not just uncomfortable—it can be genuinely painful or distressing. Quiet moments often bring
unresolved issues and traumatic memories to the surface, transforming what should be restful
time into something potentially overwhelming or frightening.
This avoidance of quiet, reflective time is a natural coping mechanism. Filling one’s schedule
with constant activity can serve as a distraction, temporarily shielding the individual from
confronting difficult feelings or memories. It’s crucial to approach this with empathy,
understanding that what may seem like simple avoidance can actually be a protective response to
emotional pain.
Addressing this requires patience, compassion, and often professional support. Encouraging
gentle exploration of these feelings through therapy, counseling, or supportive relationships can
gradually help individuals build resilience and reclaim their ability to enjoy quiet, reflective
moments. It’s important to remember that healing is a deeply personal journey, and creating a
safe space for this process is essential.
Why We Fear Headspace
We fear headspace because it reveals our vulnerability. It uncovers the uncertainties and doubts
we’ve skillfully avoided. Instead of confronting these feelings, our minds push us toward
immediate gratification—checking emails, scrolling through social media, binge-watching shows
—actions that provide a quick dopamine boost but ultimately leave us unsatisfied and anxious.
Moreover, societal narratives often glorify perpetual busyness as success, equating downtime
with laziness. When mental space finally emerges, it feels unfamiliar, even threatening. We’ve
trained ourselves to associate productivity with self-worth, making genuine rest and mental
peace seem counterintuitive or even guilt-inducing.
Reclaiming Your Headspace
How do we break this cycle? First, acknowledge that time alone does not equate to quality time
unless it is accompanied by a healthy mindset. Recognize the signs when you are avoiding
mental clarity—when silence becomes uncomfortable, and when restlessness pushes you toward
distractions.
Second, practice embracing discomfort gradually. Start with short intervals of intentional quiet
and reflection, slowly building your comfort level. Reflective practices such as mindfulness,journaling, or quietly sitting without your phone can help adjust your relationship with your
headspace.
Finally, reframe your perspective on downtime. Instead of viewing it as unproductive, recognize
its importance for mental health and long-term productivity. Prioritize and safeguard this mental
space just as diligently as you would your scheduled meetings or work commitments.
Final Thoughts
Yes, time is precious. However, what’s even more critical is having the mental clarity and
emotional readiness to use it effectively. Instead of endlessly striving to create more time,
consider focusing on cultivating a better headspace. After all, what good is extra time if your
mind isn’t at peace to enjoy it?
Perhaps Iowa was onto something after all—sometimes heaven isn’t a place or even a moment;
it’s simply about finding peace right where you are.
