[source](image is mine)
Last year, I found myself standing in my kitchen at midnight, half-asleep, trying to wash dishes I was supposed to wash hours ago. My phone buzzed beside the sink ,it was another work email. I laughed, not because it was funny, but because I was so tired and still had more things to do before I could even think of sleeping.
People like to say, “We all have 24 hours in a day, make it work.” But is that really true for everyone? I don’t think so. I believe 24 hours are simply not enough for most of us, especially in this busy world.
Let’s break it down. We sleep for at least 6 to 8 hours if we’re lucky. Some people don’t even get that much rest. Now, we have about 16 hours left. Out of that, many spend 8 to 10 hours at work or school. That leaves just 6 to 8 hours for everything else ,it could be cooking, cleaning, taking care of family, commuting, running errands, maybe exercising, or studying something new. Where does “me time” even fit into that?
I remember my friend who works full-time and also takes care of her elderly mother. After work, she has to cook, clean, and help her mother shower. By the time she sits down, it’s already past 10 pm. She wants to learn a new skill, maybe start a small side business, but there is no time left. Even her weekends are full of chores she couldn’t finish during the week.
People like to shout “time management!” But sometimes, good time management still isn’t enough. If your day is packed with responsibilities you cannot ignore, what magic can you do? Many parents understand this well. Between working, helping kids with homework, and taking care of the home, they barely have time for themselves.
Some say, “Wake up earlier.” But how early can one wake up when sleep is already short? Sleeping less makes you sick and tired. In the end, you’re awake but too tired to do anything useful.
I see time like money. For some, they have extra , they can spend or invest it. For others, they are in debt with their time , they owe work, family, and society more hours than they have.
For me, the real solution is not pretending that everyone’s 24 hours are the same. Some people need help , maybe flexible work, extra hands at home, or less pressure to be “perfect.” We also need to stop shaming people for being “lazy” when they are simply exhausted.
If I ever get an extra two hours each day, I know exactly what I would do. I would sleep well, learn a new skill, maybe read a book, or just sit quietly without looking at the clock. Sadly, right now, I can’t. So, no, 24 hours is not enough for everyone.
Maybe you feel the same way too. Maybe your days feel too short for your dreams. It’s not because you are lazy or bad at planning. Sometimes, it’s just because life is bigger than the clock on the wall. And it’s okay to admit that.
So next time you hear “we all have the same 24 hours,” smile, but remember , you now know better
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