As a child, Odell discovered a story from her mother's collection. It was a vintage folktale imbued with 70s nostalgia. It spun a yarn of a boy gifted with a unique treasure by a witch. The present was a golden thread with the power to hasten time. The prospect of growing up tempted the protagonist of the story. He pulled at the time thread, catapulting through life's landmark moments. In the end, he realized he had missed out on truly living. He was forever caught in the anticipation of what would come next. This quaint story carries a profound question – how can we create more time?

The modern mantra often prescribes productivity techniques to maximize our time. Yet, ironically, such methodologies can magnify the problem. Oliver Burkeman points out a paradox in his reflections on the unintended consequences of time management. Our obsession with using time efficiently regularly heightens our anxiety about its scarcity. The more we fixate on time, the faster it eludes us.

The wellness industry has lucratively exploited our anxiety over time's fleeting nature and mortality. It constantly produces products and practices that promise a longer, healthier life. But only for those who can afford them. This narrative conveniently glosses over critical elements like genetic predisposition and socioeconomic status.

Instead of trying to extend our time, Odell advises us to inhabit the time we have. By striving to elongate our moments, we risk missing the richness of the moments we aim to preserve.

Ancient Greek philosophy presents two concepts to describe time – chronos and kairos. Chronos corresponds to linear time, the inevitable procession of events into the future. Loosely translated as "crisis," kairos indicates a critical moment that must be seized. Contrary to what might seem logical, life hinges on embracing kairos, not the stable chronos.

Our era is marked by swift transformation and an uncertain future. The concept of kairos offers a platform for new possibilities and fresh imaginations. Altering our perception of time allows us to paint our lives not with the hues of anticipation but with the vibrant colors of the here and now.