The Wave of Time

Do you feel that life is passing you by? That you should have done more by now? This is something I have certainly felt, especially in the lead-up to turning 30 last year. I have been exploring how I can settle into my 30s, without feeling like I am on the back foot, feeling behind, all the time. 

Which brings me to Hokusai, a Japanese artist, who produced works we still appreciate today, in the later stages of his life. Most notably over the age of 60.

Katsushika Hokusai famously once said that “Until the age of 70 nothing that I drew was worthy of notice”, which, in the case of some of the pieces that brought real attention to the artist, rang true. Hokusai didn’t paint his famous series, which included ‘The Wave', until he was in his seventies in 1830-33*. 

I’ve been looking at the wave with a different perspective, especially now that I know it took Hokusai until he was 70 to feel his work had worth. 

The rush or imperative we feel to be productive is not something that we create in a vacuum. This has been created. Pushed by cultures’ dominant push for youth, lists like Forbes’ 30 under 30, and the internet’s pull down to refresh attention span, all combine to create a speeding driving force in our current lives. 

So it is no surprise that many of us feel that if we stop to catch our breath, we’ll fall off the face of the earth. 

This may be more pertinent for self-employed people, hustlers, and those who work in very competitive industries. Yet our personal lives also feel like they’re on a deadline, with the heteronormative rush to couple up, get on the property ladder, and have kids.

What do we do if that expectation doesn’t fit who we are? Are we useless? Of course not!

Stepping outside of a prescribed catch the pigeon race to the finish line is a brilliant way to provide some clarity and peace. You may not need to wait until your 70s to feel fulfilled, but if it takes until then, who cares? Every day can be a fresh start, a time to do over if you want it to be. The Wave of time is something that you can ride, not battle against. 

So if you have been feeling like you are playing catch-up, take a breather, and things will work out just fine. So take your time… 

*It is worth noting that Hokusai produced incredibly popular works throughout his life, which others enjoyed, even if he himself didn’t.